(Eagle News) — A member of the Philippine Coast Guard was arrested after the officer allegedly extorted money from businessmen for supposedly lacking the necessary documents for the yacht they owned.
In a statement on Thursday, Feb. 21, the Department of Transportation said Ensign Allison Tindog, operations officer of the Coast Guard District of Palawan, was nabbed in an entrapment operation conducted by National Bureau Investigation operatives in Puerto Princesa on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
This was following a complaint filed by businessmen Dirk and Jessica Haring, who had said Tindog extorted money from them on two occasions–one in the amount of P80,000 and the other in the amount of P50,000.
The DOTr said the officer, who is under NBI custody, has been placed under preventive suspension as the PCG conducts a separate “proper and thorough administrative investigation.”
“The (PCG) values the importance of integrity, professionalism and good reputation in the performance of our duties as we support the President’s fight against graft and corruption. As civil servants and public officials, the unethical use of a public service position for personal advantage is regarded as a serious breach of duty,” the DOTr said.