Coast Guard files complaint vs. ‘bogus’ auxiliary group before SEC

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said it has filed a complaint before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against a “bogus” auxiliary group and its incorporators.

In a statement, the PCG said the 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. registered with the SEC without the Coast Guard’s authority on August 4, 2022.

It identified one of the incorporators as Martin Diño.

GMA News Online is still tying to reach out to the group for its reaction and will publish it as soon as available.  It also sought the side of Diño's who has yet to reply.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said they received intelligence reports that the 101ST BALANGAY PCGA, INC. in Bataan was recruiting and charging fees to join their organization.

“They have been warned accordingly. We will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies like NBI and the PNP to effect arrest should they continue to misrepresent the PCG and solicit money from ordinary people they are recruiting in the rural areas,” he said.

The group also conducted induction ceremonies and wore uniforms, insignia, and ranks, showing to the public that they were part of the PCG and PCGA, according to Balilo.

He said the group also claimed that the PCG’s senior officers, including PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio M Abu, authorized their activities.

“They have to respect the PCG as an armed organization and preserve the sanctity of wearing the uniform,” Balilo said.

On January 13, the PCG Station Bataan also filed complaints for estafa, usurpation of authority, and unlawful use of logo and insignias against the group at the Bataan Prosecutor's Office in Balanga City.

The PCGs said 500 Bataan residents were recruited by the group and 50 of them accompanied the PCG Station Bataan during the filing of the said cases.

Coast Guard legal Service Commander Captain Donette Dolina said they will pursue legal measures until all unauthorized activities cease, and those who caused these violations are apprehended, penalized, and placed behind bars.—Joviland Rita/LDF, GMA Integrated News