During a House Committee on Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 20, shocking revelations emerged regarding the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) auxiliary force, with reports indicating that 36 Chinese nationals had been operating within the agency for an extended period.
Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers highlighted this concerning issue during the session.
Barbers expressed his dismay, suggesting that the PCG seemed “overtaken” by the presence of Chinese nationals within its ranks.
“Most of the members that were recruited as auxiliary coast guard were all Chinese…parang na-overtaken ‘yung coast guard (it’s as if the coast guard had been taken over),” said Barbers as he asked for clarification from the PCG.
Addressing the security lapse, Gavan noted that stringent measures, including the requirement for national security clearances, had been implemented for foreign recruits.
The timing of this discovery coincides with heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the China Coast Guard (CCG) has been reportedly harassing Philippine vessels.
Gavan, who assumed office in October 2023, indicated that some of these individuals had been part of the auxiliary force for up to three years.
“Do you have any idea how long have they been a member of the auxiliary? Based on your records, your records would show,” Barbers asked Gavan.
“Around two to the three years, your honor. Some even before,” said the PCG official.
However, it was revealed that the 36 Chinese nationals lacked such clearances, prompting their delisting from the auxiliary force.
Further investigations are underway to determine if PCG personnel were involved in recruiting these foreign nationals, which posts a potential threat and significant risk to national security.