Philippine law enforcers have charged two individuals for allegedly engaging in extortion at Batangas Port, located 110 kilometers south of Metro Manila, during the holiday rush.
On December 23, maritime authorities arrested Jerome Castillo and Marvin Anonog during an entrapment operation targeting extortion schemes. The suspects demanded bribes ranging from P2,500 (US$43) to P5,000 from vehicle owners in exchange for expedited port entry and priority boarding.
The Philippine Coast Guard-Batangas confirmed that they caught the suspects red-handed as they solicited bribes from passengers with vehicles. Authorities confiscated one genuine P500 bill, four counterfeit P500 bills, and a Samsung keypad mobile phone as evidence.
A motorcycle rider from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, reported that the fixers approached him and two other motorists, offering to expedite their boarding process for P1,000.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the suspects face charges under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes fraudulent acts.
PPA denounces fixers, scammers
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago vehemently denied allegations that the fixers had ties to port personnel.
Santiago emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing complaints and deterring illegal activities.
“This is proof that the PPA always takes action on the complaints it receives. On the part of the PPA, we have moved the entrance gate at Batangas Port to avoid those offering insurance outside the port. But because of the holiday rush, some scammers still took advantage of this to deceive others and charge passengers three times the normal fee,” Santiago said.
“I hope this serves as a lesson to all fixers and those who are planning to do the same during this peak season,” he added.
Batangas Port.
Security guards under scrutiny
Port of Batangas Officer-in-Charge Margarita Emelyn Villamor launched an investigation into reports that security personnel facilitated the illegal activities.
Villamor sent a letter to Peter Francis Dimayuga, assistant vice president and head of the Stevedoring Division of Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), demanding a written explanation within three days regarding the alleged collusion.
“There was also information that the modus operandi was executed allegedly in connivance with port security personnel at the Port of Batangas. In view thereof, you are hereby given three days from receipt hereof to submit your written explanation/report as regards the alleged involvement of your hired security in the illegal activity,” Villamor wrote.
Legal action and consequences
Authorities emphasized the importance of prosecuting this case to discourage similar schemes during peak travel seasons.
Under the Revised Penal Code, extortion is punishable by arresto mayor, or imprisonment ranging from one month and one day to six months.
The Philippine Coast Guard-Batangas Station, Coast Guard Intelligence Unit of Southern Tagalog, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group jointly carried out the operation. They assured the public of their continued efforts to protect passengers and maintain order at the country’s busiest ports.
All photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard-Southern Tagalog.
Top photo: Batangas Port
