Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Wednesday that it is strengthening its vetting process for auxiliary members following reports that several foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, had been able to join the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) in previous years.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG Capt. Xerxes Fernandez disclosed during a Senate defense committee hearing that at least 36 Chinese nationals were removed from the auxiliary group under the previous administration. Additionally, a member identified as Joseph Sy recently lost his honorary rank of commodore. Fernandez explained that the PCGA was initially established as a socio-civic volunteer group and had admitted foreigners at a time when no significant security threats were perceived.

Fernandez noted, “Right then, during that time, there were no perceived threats from interference from foreign agents. But right now, we see that there’s a creeping intrusion into our security environment.” He added that new and more stringent rules are being developed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He emphasized that auxiliary members are not commissioned officers or enlisted personnel of the Coast Guard and lack security clearances. Their uniforms and insignias differ from those of PCG personnel. “They are just there to help us in safety and environmental protection,” Fernandez stated, pointing out that many members are boat or shipping company owners who assist in search and rescue operations.

However, senators expressed concern that auxiliaries, by participating in Coast Guard events, could establish connections that might be used for intelligence-gathering. The PCG official assured the panel that measures are being taken to mitigate these risks and maintain the institution’s integrity.