ENTRAPMENT. Authorities arrested in an entrapment operation two suspects illegally recruiting individuals aspiring to become members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at a hotel in Isabela City, Basilan province on Monday night (May 29, 2023). Seized from the suspects were the marked money and several documents of PCG applicants. (Photo courtesy of PCG-Basilan)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – An entrapment operation resulted in the arrest of two persons illegally recruiting individuals for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Isabela City, Basilan province, police said Tuesday.
In a report to the Police Regional Office in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Isabela City Police Station (ICPS) identified the arrested suspects as Yazier Tanji Balling, 32, and Rodel Alegre Lagayan, 44.
The ICPS said the two were arrested around 7:15 p.m. Monday at a hotel in Barangay Binuangan, Isabela City.
It said the suspects were arrested after they received a bundle of PHP90,000 boodle money topped with one genuine PHP1,000 used as marked money from an undercover PCG personnel who posed as an applicant.
A team of PCG and police operatives launched the entrapment after receiving a report about the duo’s alleged illegal activity.
The suspects were taken to the Isabela City Police Station for the filing of an estafa case or swindling, which is punishable under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
The PCG has advised applicants to report to the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command or Coast Guard Intelligence Force should anyone approach them offering to hasten the process of their application papers in exchange for cash. (PNA)
