Ex-DILG exec named in 'bogus' PCG auxiliary group's recruitment in Bataan
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has a filed case before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against what it described as a bogus Coast Guard auxiliary group allegedly involved in a recruitment spree in Bataan where members were promised P30,000 monthly allowance.
In a statement, the PCG named former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) undersecretary Martin Diño as one of the incorporators "who caused the unauthorized registration of the 101st Balangay PCG Auxiliary, Inc. before the SEC".

Diño is currently a member of the PCG Auxiliary with a rank of Commodore.
The PCG said the 101st Balangay PCG Auxiliary, Inc., which allegedly claims to be a civilian volunteer arm of the Philippine Coast Guard, was able to recruit approximately 500 Bataan residents, each of them allegedly paid as much as P20,000 for membership and other fees.
The PCG is asking for the de-registration of the 101st Balangay PCG Auxiliary, Inc. before the SEC.
Aside from Diño, those named as incorporators were Renante Nase, Agustin Soria, Jr., Laurence Nase, Reniel Nase, Jerry delos Santos, and Christine Lingat.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the incorporators registered with the SEC the 101st Balangay PCGA, Inc. without the authority of the PCG on Aug. 4 last year.
"The PCG discovered the unauthorized registration when it received intelligence reports that a group in Bataan representing itself as 101st Balangay PCGA, Inc. was recruiting and charging fees to join their organization," said Balilo in a statement.
Citing the report they received, Balilo said the 101st Balangay PCGA, Inc. conducted induction ceremonies and wore uniforms, insignia, and ranks – suggesting to the public that they were part of the PCG and PCGA.

He added that the group also misrepresented that PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio M Abu and other senior officers authorized their activities.
“They have to respect the PCG as an armed organization and preserve the sanctity of wearing the uniform,” said Balilo.
When PCG finds out
In an advisory posted on its Facebook page on Jan. 2, the PCG warned the public, particularly residents of Bataan, about the recruitment for the PCG Auxiliary.
The recruitment was reportedly focused on the towns of Hermosa, Abucay and Morong and the PCG found out about it in December last year.
In Barangay Mabayo in Morong town for instance, the PCG said around 480 residents were already recruited.
During the investigation through interviews with those recruited, the PCG found out that they were asked P15,000 as membership fee.
Those who were recruited were allegedly enticed to join as they were promised P30,000 monthly allowance.
The PCG said some of the residents were forced to sell their properties to comply with the membership fee.
"Most of those who joined are indigent. The group also promised them that they would provide a livelihood program for their members and a large fishing boat for their members in Barangay Mabayo," the statement read.
"According to the victims, they were forced to resign from their jobs... and were given responsibilities as security personnel," it added.
Estafa
The PCG explained that the unauthorized collection of fees for membership in the PCG or PCGA under pretenses constitutes Estafa, a crime punishable by up to life imprisonment, if committed on a large scale.
On Jan. 13, the PCG Station Bataan has filed cases of estafa, usurpation of authority, and unlawful use of logo and insignias against the 101st Balangay PCGA, Inc. at the Bataan Prosecutor's Office in Balanga City.
The PCG said 50 of those recruited joined the officers of PCG Station Bataan when the complaints were filed.
PCG Legal Service Commander Captain Donette Dolina said they will continue to pursue legal measures until all unauthorized activities cease, and those who caused these violations are apprehended, penalized, and placed behind bars.
“They have been warned accordingly. We will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies like NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) to effect arrest should they continue to misrepresent the PCG and solicit money from ordinary people they are recruiting in the rural areas,” said Balilo for his part.
Controversy with Coast Guard
This is not the first time that Diño clashed with the PCG.
In March 2018, netizens and the PCG itself called out Diño for wearing a uniform and insignia with a rank of Rear Admiral.
The unauthorized use of uniform and insignia is unlawful based on the Republic Act 9993 which created the Philippine Coast Guard.
In a previous statement, the PCG said Diño was not a legitimate member of the PCG and therefore, not allowed to wear the uniform.
The PCG also said Diño may have been recruited by a bogus PCG support group after the latter claimed that he was installed as Rear Admiral by a group connected with the PCG.
But in May 2021, Diño was formally inducted as Auxiliary Commodore, in a ceremony led by then PCG commandant George Ursabia, Jr.

Following his induction, Balilo said Diño was already briefed about the do's and don'ts of the civilian volunteer arm.
This is the reason why the PCG is wondering why Diño was involved in the Bataan recruitment, according to the PCG.
If Diño is found guilty on the case it now filed, Balilo said the PCG would cancel his appointment as Auxiliary Commodore.