In a crackdown on illegal activities at Batangas Port, two individuals were arrested on December 23 for offering unauthorized expedited vehicle boarding services. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the suspects were caught in the act of extorting money from motorists and passengers outside the port terminal. The operation involved personnel from the Coast Guard Station Batangas, the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit of Southern Tagalog, and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group in Batangas City, who arrived at the scene around 9 p.m.
Evidence including mobile phones, marked money, and boodle money was seized, and the suspects were handed over to the custody of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group for further investigation. Authorities are now looking into the possibility of other individuals involved in the scheme.
A motorcycle rider, one of the victims, recounted being approached by the suspects on Diversion Road while traveling from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to San Juan, Victoria, Mindoro. The suspects promised to speed up his boarding process for a fee of PHP1,000, payable upon successful boarding. The rider mentioned that two of his companions were also targeted, but the transaction was halted by the timely intervention of authorities.
The suspects face charges under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code for other deceit. The PCG has advised the public to report any suspicious activities and to avoid engaging with unauthorized individuals. In a Christmas Eve advisory, the PCG highlighted that such activities, which involve promises of expedited services for payment, are illegal and unregulated.
The PCG and PNP have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting travelers and ensuring lawful operations at ports, especially during the busy holiday season. They warned that the high volume of rolling cargoes and passengers at Batangas Port during Christmas creates opportunities for illicit activities.
In related news, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado encouraged the public to monitor the BI’s official social media platforms for real-time updates on passenger volumes during the holiday season. Viado emphasized that sharing these updates would help travelers plan their airport arrivals and avoid delays. The BI’s updates are available on their official Facebook page, aiming to provide insights into airport activity and help passengers adjust their travel schedules accordingly.
Viado also recommended that travelers check in at least three hours before their flights and proceed directly to immigration clearance to minimize congestion. He stressed the importance of preparation during the busy holiday season, noting that early check-ins and direct movement to immigration counters can significantly reduce stress and enhance the travel experience. The BI reported smooth operations with no major incidents, and additional resources like immigration counters, mobile units, and a rapid response team have been deployed to handle the increased number of travelers.