The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged investment scam involving one of its personnel assigned to the agency's Task Force Bayanihan Returning Overseas Filipinos (BROF).
PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said he has already ordered the relief of the enlisted personnel in order to ensure impartiality of the ongoing investigation.
Based on the complaints of at least six of the victims, the PCG enlisted personnel convinced them to invest in business ventures with the help of a civilian partner.
“We call on our fellow Coast Guard officers and personnel to exercise prudence and integrity in all of their actions,” said PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo in a statement released on Thursday, April 15.
The PCG spokesperson also urged Coast Guard personnel to uphold moral standards within the organization.
“We also need the cooperation of our people to shun pyramiding schemes and other illegal ventures, not only to protect themselves, but more importantly, to preserve the public image of the humanitarian armed service they are part of,” Balilo added.