PCG applicant nabbed for bringing drug paraphernalia to neuro exam
A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) applicant is held under the custody of the authorities after he was caught bringing drug paraphernalia during a neurological examination at the headquarters of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog in Batangas on Sept. 2, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
A dream of joining the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) went down the drain for an applicant who was caught with illegal drug paraphernalia as he was about to undergo a neurological examination in Batangas.
The PCG said the male suspect was subjected to a routine inspection by personnel of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDST) during the exam held at the district’s headquarters in Batangas last Sept. 2.
The suspect was not identified by the PCG.
During the inspection, authorities discovered “suspicious” items from the applicant's bag which included a crumpled aluminum foil and a glass pipe.
The PCG's Investigation Detection Unit-Southern Tagalog (IDU-STL) coordinated with the Batangas Provincial Forensic Unit for the conduct of a drug test on the individual and laboratory examination of the seized evidence.
“The results later confirmed the presence of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (locally known as shabu),” the PCG said on Friday, Sept. 5.
The suspect was no longer allowed to take qualifying exams to enter the PCG.
On top of that, he faces charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Section 12 (Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs), and Section 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“The respondent is currently under custody at one of the custodial cell pending court proceedings demonstrating CGDSTL’s firm commitment not only in apprehending violators but also in filing proper charges and managing detainees in its own custodial facility in accordance with due process of law,” the PCG said.