Batangas Port fixers fall

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) arrested two men Tuesday for alleged involvement in fixing activities inside the Batangas Port, authorities reported Wednesday.

The suspects, identified as Jerome Castillo and Marvin Anonog, are now in the custody of PNP-Maritime Group Region IV-A in Batangas for alleged violation of Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code.

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly offered to expedite vehicle boarding for passengers in exchange for illegal payments.

The operation followed reports circulating on social media about extortion incidents along the Philippine Ports Authority Access Road.

They were caught in the act of offering illegal expedited vehicle boarding services for fees.

Evidence, including mobile phones, marked money, and boodle money, was seized for further investigation, and the suspects were transferred to PNP-MARIG custody.

Authorities are now examining the possibility of additional accomplices involved in the scheme.

Based on the investigation, a motorcycle rider shared his account of the incident, stating that while traveling from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to his home in San Juan, Victoria, Mindoro, he was approached by the suspects along Diversion Road.