Philippine Ports Authority general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago vehemently denied allegations that the arrested ‘fixers’ at Batangas Port last 23 December are connected to any of his men.

This was following reports that the arrested two suspects, during interrogation, disclosed that they were in cohorts with the guards belonging to the PPA.

The suspects, identified as Jerome Castillo and Marvin Anonog, remain in the custody of PNP-Maritime Group Region IV-A in Batangas for alleged violation of Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code after their arrest by personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group.

The said suspects allegedly offered their services, particularly to expedite vehicle boarding services to passengers in exchange for monetary payments, which are illegal and unregulated.

With this, Santiago said they condemned any fixing activity in all ports that victimize passengers, stating that “this should be a lesson” to those who dwell in the said illegal acts.

“Ito po ang patunay na laging may ginagawang aksyon ang PPA sa mga natatanggap nitong reklamo. On the part of PPA, inilipat po natin ang entrance gate sa Batangas Port para makaiwas din sa mga nag-aalok ng insurance sa labas ng pantalan, pero dahil holiday rush ay sinamantala pa rin ito ng ilang mga scammer para manloko ng kapwa at maningil ng triple sa mga pasaherong nais lang umuwi. Magsilbi sana po itong aral sa lahat ng fixer at nagbabalak pa ngayong peak season,” he said in a statement on Thursday.  

Santiago maintained that they will continue efforts to arrest fixers and citizens who are engaging in illegal activities in all PPA-regulated ports.

In the latest development, Port of Batangas officer-in-charge Margarita Emelyn Villamor already sent a letter on Thursday to Peter Francis Dimayuga, assistant vice president and head of the Stevedoring Division of ATI Batangas Inc., for him to explain allegations that his security guards are involved in the fixing activities inside the said port.

“There was also information that the modus was allegedly executed in connivance with the port security personnel at the Port of Batangas. In view thereof, you are hereby given three days from receipt hereof to submit your written explanation/report as regards the alleged involvement of your hired security in the illegal activity."