A MAN was arrested for allegedly soliciting ₱350,000 from applicants in exchange for guaranteed slots in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced on Sunday.
The suspect, identified only as “Morris,” was apprehended during an entrapment operation conducted by the CIDG Detective Special Operations Unit and PCG Intelligence Division operatives on May 22nd along P. Campa Street corner España Boulevard, Manila.
According to CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Morris was caught red-handed receiving money from prospective PCG applicants.
Applicants reportedly stated that Morris claimed to have connections and influence within the PCG, leveraging this false claim to secure payments. He allegedly guaranteed their acceptance into the agency in exchange for the substantial sum.
Morris has been charged with violation of Article 315 (estafa/swindling) of the Revised Penal Code before the National Prosecution Service for falsely claiming influence to facilitate the applicants’ entry into the PCG.
Director Torre emphasized that the arrest “prevented and solved future scams and fraud and saved the unsuspecting applicants from giving their family’s hard-earned money to the swindler.”
He urged applicants to apply directly to government agencies and avoid individuals offering guarantees for employment. He further stated, “Let us capture more of these criminals who take advantage, exploit, and victimize applicants.”
