MANILA — Malacañang on Friday downplayed concerns over reports that a Chinese businessman, identified as Joseph Sy, managed to join the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), stressing that the group has no role in the operational functions of the Coast Guard.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Sy has already been removed from the PCGA, which he described as a purely civilian organization.

“At huwag pong mag-alala ang taumbayan dahil ang PCGA ay isang civil organization… wala po silang access sa anumang mga operasyon at hindi po sila sumasampa sa barko,” Castro told reporters.

He explained that the PCGA only serves as a volunteer support arm of the Coast Guard, tasked mainly with humanitarian efforts such as relief distribution, and is not involved in security or maritime operations.

The case drew public attention after former senator Panfilo Lacson raised concerns about possible “sleeper agents” operating in the Philippines.

Castro said the National Security Council (NSC) has assured the public that government agencies are on guard against espionage.

“The government does not take espionage lightly, and we act swiftly when credible intelligence is verified. Recent operations have already led to arrest of suspected foreign operatives which shows that our agencies are not standing still,” the NSC said in a statement relayed by Castro.