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Delisted Chinese from auxiliary had no access to PCG ops: Palace

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
August 29, 2025, 1:51 pm

MANILA -- Malacañang on Friday allayed public concerns over reports that a Filipino-Chinese businessman had joined the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) Auxiliary unit, stressing that the delisted personnel had no access to maritime operations.

Citing the PCG's statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said prompt action has been undertaken and investigation into the enlistment of Chinese nationals in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is underway.

"Huwag pong mag-alala ang taumbayan dahil ang PCGA ay isang civil organization at kung sinuman po ang mapapasok dito kahit foreigner po, ito naman po ay paggawa lang naman ng pagtulong, pagbibigay ng relief, pagtulong sa PCG (The public should not worry because the PCGA is a civil organization, and whoever joins it, even foreigners, are only involved in activities such as helping, providing relief, and assisting the PCG)," Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

"Pero wala po silang access sa anumang mga operasyon at hindi po sila sumasampa sa barko. At kung anuman ang operasyon ng PCG (However, they do not have access to any operations and do not board the ships)," she added.

Castro assured the public that PCG operations were not compromised, emphasizing that auxiliary personnel have limited access.

"Wala po silang maaaring malaman doon. 'Yun naman daw po ang safeguards na siniguro ng PCG (They do not know anything about the operations. Those are the safeguards ensured by the PCG)," she said.

At the Senate defense committee hearing on Wednesday, PCG Capt. Xerxes Fernandez confirmed that at least 36 Chinese nationals had been delisted under the previous administration, while an alleged Filipino-Chinese businessman identified as Joseph Sy was recently removed after rising to the honorary rank of commodore.

Fernandez said the PCGA, established as a socio-civic volunteer group, had previously admitted foreign nationals because no major security threats were perceived at the time.

He, nevertheless, said the PCG is tightening its vetting process for auxiliary members, taking into consideration the "creeping intrusion into our security environment." (PNA)