Accountability sought over PCG recruitment of Chinese auxiliary members

 

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials and personnel behind the recruitment of Chinese nationals as auxiliary members  should be held accountable, House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said on Thursday. 

Acidre made the remark after PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan’s revelation on the recruitment of the Chinese nationals before the Committee on Transportation’s hearing on Wednesday. 

Although Gavan said 36 Chinese members were already delisted, Acidre said heads should roll among PCG members involved, as he pointed out the threats these foreign nationals might pose against the country. 

“I’m sure there will be people who should be made accountable. It’s not what we can consider an honest mistake. I’m sure the concealment is something that’s malicious and a serious threat to national security,” the lawmaker said in a press conference.

“How were they recruited? Who allowed this? Who turned a blind eye? I’m sure [these foreigners] won’t be able to enter the agency on their own,” he added. 

 Acidre likewise called on the PCG and its agencies with similar auxiliary forces “to adequately vet their recruits and volunteers.” 

“I call on all the agencies with auxiliary bodies or institutions like the PCG Auxiliary. I hope they look into the qualifications. I hope this should be a lesson for us moving forward,” he said.

During the hearing, Gavan explained that the Chinese nationals served as the agency’s auxiliary members for about two to three years until they were delisted in December 2023.

Gavan said they were removed from their post after failing to present necessary security clearances. 

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers suggested that the panel look into the PCG members involved in the foreigners’ recruitment process. 

He also expressed concern that these Chinese auxiliary members might have served as spies, especially with the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines  and China.