Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Daniel Santiago has vehemently denied allegations the “fixers” arrested at the Port of Batangas on 23 December were connected to port personnel.

Santiago made the statement amid reports the two suspects claimed to be cohorts of the PPA security guards.

The suspects, identified as Jerome Castillo and Marvin Anonog, are in the custody of the 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 suspects allegedly offered to expedite vehicle boarding for passengers in exchange for money .

“This is proof that the PPA always takes action on the complaints it receives. On the part of the PPA, we have moved the entrance gate at Batangas Port to avoid those offering insurance outside the port. But because of the holiday rush, some scammers still took advantage of this to deceive others and charge passengers three times the normal fee,” Santiago said.

“I hope this serves as a lesson to all fixers and those who are planning to do the same during this peak season,” he added.

Port of Batangas officer-in-charge Margarita Emelyn Villamor sent a letter on Thursday to Peter Francis Dimayuga, assistant vice president and head of the Stevedoring Division of ATI Batangas Inc., asking him to explain allegations that his security guards were involved in “fixing” activities at the port.

“There was also information that the modus operandi was executed allegedly in connivance with 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,” Villamor wrote Dimayuga.