
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday, May 31, that it has filed criminal and administrative complaints against one of its own personnel who was accused of extorting a huge sum from an applicant.
In a statement, the PCG said that Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Ibrahim Banota allegedly tried to extort P150,000 from an applicant in exchange of a “sure entrance” to the Coast Guard service.
Banota is assigned at the Coast Guard Station Western Tawi-Tawi in Zamboanga City.
“Filing of case is now on process for violation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code (Estafa) for a criminal case and Section IX, A. Grave Offenses, paragraph 24 of National Headquarters – Philippine Coast Guard / Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service (NHQ – PCG / CGIAS) Circular Number 13-19 for administrative case,” the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) said.
The PCG initially received an alert about Banota’s alleged illegal activities on May 19.
He was arrested in an entrapment operation in Zamboanga City by the PCG and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 9 five days later.
“This occurred amid the ongoing PCG nationwide recruitment cycle for calendar year 2024,” the PCG noted.