MANILA, Philippines — In a recent development, 36 Chinese individuals who had joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as auxiliary members have been expelled from the service. The disclosure came during a hearing conducted by the House committee on transportation, which focused on legislation aimed at restructuring and enhancing the PCG.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the PCG Commandant, faced inquiries from Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers during the session. Gavan revealed that these 36 individuals, who are not of Filipino-Chinese descent but rather citizens of mainland China, had joined the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) during the Duterte administration, sparking questions from lawmakers regarding their motives.
Barbers expressed his concerns, noting that many of these Chinese recruits held high ranks such as brigadier general and commandant, and seemed to be integrating deeply into the Coast Guard’s operations. The PCGA, a civilian support group, operates under a military framework and supports the PCG in promoting maritime safety.
Gavan explained that he became aware of the presence of these Chinese nationals upon taking office in October 2023. They had undergone the application process in collaboration with the government’s intelligence and national security bodies. However, when it was required that they obtain national security clearance, they failed to meet the criteria, leading to their subsequent removal from the PCGA. Gavan admitted that some of these individuals had been part of the PCGA for two to three years, with a few serving even longer, raising concerns about potential espionage activities disguised as auxiliary membership.
Responding to the situation, Barbers suggested investigating the PCG personnel responsible for the recruitment of these Chinese members, questioning their identities and motives. Gavan assured the committee that an investigation is underway, though one key recruiter had already passed away due to natural causes.
Gavan emphasized the cautious approach being taken in the investigation and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the PCG’s role in national security. When Representative Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa, Laguna sought further details about the expelled Chinese nationals, Gavan proposed discussing the sensitive aspects of the case in an executive session for a more in-depth conversation.
