MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two alleged illegal recruiters at Tinagacan Checkpoint, South Cotabato, at around 2:35 p.m. on March 8, 2025.

The suspects, identified as 43-year-old Leonardo Yarte and his wife, 43-year-old Lawrence Lyka Yarte, were accused of illegally recruiting ten individuals by falsely promising them entry into the Coast Guard service.

Authorities launched the operation after one of the victims reported that the couple had posed as personnel from the PCG and the Office of the President (OP). According to the victims, the suspects demanded ₱120,000 from each applicant in exchange for securing their enlistment.

The operation was carried out by the Coast Guard Intelligence Group-Southern Mindanao (CGIG-SM), Special Operations Group (SOG) Southern Mindanao, Maritime Security Law Enforcement Unit (MSLEU) Southern Mindanao, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 12, and Police Station 8 of Barangay Tinagacan. The suspects were intercepted at Tinagacan Checkpoint while en route to Davao International Airport for a flight to Manila.

Earlier in the day, Coast Guard personnel conducted a briefing at CIDG Region 12 at around 10:23 a.m. before heading to Tinagacan Checkpoint at 11:30 a.m. By 1:20 p.m., the suspects and the ten victims had arrived at Bulaong Bus Terminal, where they boarded a bus bound for Davao City. The operatives then moved in to make the arrest when the bus reached Tinagacan Checkpoint.

The suspects face multiple charges, including violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9208, as amended by RA 10364(Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012), Usurpation of Authority, and Estafa. Authorities informed the suspects of their constitutional rights during the operation, which was recorded using two Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs).

Following their arrest, the suspects and the ten rescued victims were taken to CIDG Region 12 for documentation. The victims were later allowed to return to their boarding house in General Santos City but were advised to report to Police Station 8 on March 10, 2025, for the formal filing of cases and further investigation.

As of press time, the suspects remain in custody at CIDG Region 12.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan has ordered all Coast Guard districts, stations, and sub-stations to remain vigilant against illegal recruitment schemes and to respond swiftly to similar incidents.

Admiral Gavan also reminded aspiring Coast Guard applicants that official recruitment is conducted only within PCG premises and does not require any fees.