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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Para maalis mga bugok:' PCG creates new unit tasked with probing erring personnel

'Para maalis mga bugok:' PCG creates new unit tasked with probing erring personnel

Published Apr 25, 2026 05:15 pm
(Philippine Coast Guard)
(Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed Saturday, April 25, that it has activated a new internal body to investigate irregularities and pursue cases against erring personnel.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Probity Assurance Team (PAT) – Interim was provisionally activated last April 21 to reinforce discipline within its ranks.
“The PAT will serve as a specialized body tasked to investigate irregularities, address misconduct, and ensure that appropriate criminal and administrative actions are pursued against erring personnel,” she explained.
The team, formed amid continuing efforts to tighten internal controls, is composed of officers and personnel from the Coast Guard Chief of Staff, Coast Guard Intelligence Force, Coast Guard Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Intelligence, CG-2, Coast Guard Legal Service, and the Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service.
The PAT is mandated to gather evidence on reported offenses.
It will conduct lawful arrests and initiate criminal and administrative charges, and may also recommend dismissal of personnel under the PCG Code of Conduct and applicable laws. It will also assist in the prosecution and conviction of offenders.
“Through the activation of the PAT, the PCG underscores its zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, as well as its commitment to accountability and the highest standards of probity within the organization,” Cayabyab said.
The move came days after two PCG personnel were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cebu City and Davao City earlier this week.
Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Neil Vincent Dandan Panugaling, assigned at the Coast Guard Fleet, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at Sitio Puntod, Barangay Mambaling in Cebu City on April 22.
The operation resulted in the dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of five individuals, including Panugaling.
Joint law enforcement authorities recovered suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” along with drug paraphernalia, marked money, and other non-drug evidence.
Meanwhile, Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Edgardo Lugto, assigned at the Human Resource Management Unit of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, was collared in a separate anti-illegal drug operation at Barangay Sasa in Davao City on April 23.
Authorities recovered approximately 12 grams of suspected “shabu” with an estimated street value of P78,000 to P81,600, as well as related paraphernalia.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan ordered the immediate preventive suspension of both personnel, stressing that the agency will not tolerate illegal acts within its ranks.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to all PCG officers and personnel that the Command will not tolerate involvement in illegal activities or any act that undermines the integrity of the service. Those who violate the law will face the consequences of their actions,” Gavan said.
The PCG said it is coordinating with the PDEA and other agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), for investigation and prosecution.
“These apprehensions demonstrate that the PCG does not shield its personnel from accountability. We will continue to support lawful operations against erring members and uphold the honor and credibility of the Coast Guard,” Cayabyab said.
The agency said those found guilty will face criminal and administrative sanctions, including dismissal from service and forfeiture of benefits.

Related Tags

PCG Probity Assurance Team coast guard Ronnie Gil Gavan Noemie Cayabyab
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