Coast Guard officer suspended over extortion charge

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed one of its officers under preventive suspension in connection with an extortion charge against him.

Ensign Allison Tindog, operations officer of the Philippine  Coast Guard District – Palawan, is facing an extortion complaint from a German national and his Filipina wife who sought assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The couple is accusing Tindog of extorting money from them because their private yacht supposedly lacked necessary papers and permits to operate.

Tindog was busted in an entrapment operation last Tuesday in his own office.

“The PCG is conducting proper and thorough administrative investigation and at present, said officer is placed under preventive suspension immediately while being under custody of the National Bureau of Investigation,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Armand Balilo said in a statement.

He stressed that “the unethical use of a public service position for personal advantage is regarded as a serious breach of duty.” / gsg