The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested three individuals involved in illegal recruitment during an entrapment operation in Manila at approximately 8:35 PM on April 1, 2025.
Among those apprehended was a retired Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) officer with the rank of Major, identified as Mr. Marcel Mudjilun, along with Ms. Bolkisah Datu-Dacula and Mr. Abdul Jalil Datu-Dacula Bantuas.
According to the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command (CGHRMC) Counter Intel Operatives, the suspects were caught after two PCG enlistment applicants reported them for demanding Php 350,000 each in exchange for guaranteed acceptance into the PCG.
“The applicants came forward after the suspects solicited payment for their assured entry into the PCG,” the CGHRMC Counter Intel Operatives stated.
The three individuals are currently in the custody of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Regional Field Unit NCR, where they are undergoing booking procedures. They will face two counts of qualified estafa.
The operation was conducted with the support of the Coast Guard Intelligence Force (CGIF) and the Coast Guard Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service (CGIG)-National Capital Region-Central Luzon (NCR-CL).
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan has directed all PCG units to actively monitor and respond to reports of illegal recruitment across the country. He also reiterated that PCG recruitment is conducted exclusively within official PCG premises and does not require any fees.
The CGHRMC emphasized the PCG’s strong stance against illegal recruitment and its commitment to a fair and transparent enlistment process.
“Official updates on nationwide recruitment are only available through the PCG and CGHRMC official Facebook pages,” the CGHRMC noted.
Aspiring applicants and the public are encouraged to report any illegal recruitment activities to the CGHRMC Grievance Desk via the following contact numbers:
- 09293141684
- 09309653132
- 09150966183
- 09628810491