‘Kontra korapsyon!’ PCG probes own personnel in Biliran extortion case

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) launched a parallel administrative investigation into an alleged extortion case involving one of its personnel in Culaba, Biliran. Seaman First Class (SN1) Rhyck Bolon Puerto, 29, team leader of a Coast Guard mobile team in Culaba, was apprehended inside his office in Barangay Virginia on June 19 by members of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Biliran during an entrapment operation. According to investigators, local fishermen sought the help of the provincial government over alleged recurring extortion activities involving Puerto and members of the Coast Guard mobile team stationed in the area. Acting on the complaints, the provincial government requested the intervention of the CIDG-Biliran Provincial Field Unit. CIDG officers conducted intelligence gathering and operational research before carrying out the entrapment operation. Police said the suspect was caught in the act while allegedly receiving money from a complainant who acted as a collector. Authorities recovered one genuine P1,000 bill used as marked money with serial number AM1389111 and seven pieces of P1,000 boodle money. Operatives also used two Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) to document the transaction. PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan ordered concerned units to cooperate with the criminal investigation while a separate administrative inquiry determines possible violations of Coast Guard policies. “The Philippine Coast Guard maintains a strict policy against corruption and any form of misconduct. We will allow the legal process to take its course while ensuring that administrative accountability is pursued. Personnel found guilty of violating the law have no place in the organization,” Gavan said. PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard remains committed to professionalism and integrity in public service. “Should the allegations be substantiated through due process, the respondent may face administrative sanctions, including separation from the service, in addition to any criminal liability that may be imposed by the courts,” she noted. Puerto is facing a complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. He was later brought to the Culaba Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition while awaiting a commitment order from the court.