CIVILIAN “fixers” with strong connections in the Philippine Coast Guard were behind the recruitment of Chinese citizens as PCG auxiliaries triggering fears the coast guard has been infiltrated by spies from mainland China, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

At least two sources, both businessmen who have been long-time Coast Guard auxiliaries said they have long complained about the activities of ‘fixers/influence-peddlers’ who can convince some PCG officials to allow the entry of a prospective applicant or promote them to the next higher rank.

“We have been hearing that these fixers are demanding a minimum of P100,000 from a Chinaman to be able to join the Coast Guard auxiliary. They also make money by paving the way for the easy promotion of those who pay them, easily outranking others who have been in the organization for so many years before their entry to the group,” one of the sources who requested anonymity said.

One of the PCG ‘fixers,’ according to the sources have already passed away while another was identified as a Filipino-Chinese businessman who goes by the alias ‘Winston.’

The two reportedly became known to each other while helping Chinese nationals having problems with immigration authorities.

“We have received information that at least 30 Chinamen who doesn’t’ know how to speak English or Tagalog became Coast Guard auxiliaries because of the two. Word is out that these Chinamen were asked to pay a minimum of P100,000 ‘entry fee,” the other source said.

Long-time Coast Guard auxiliaries have called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

“We demand an investigation into this matter. Assuming there are indeed Chinese spies who have become PCG auxiliaries, they must be identified and arrested for the sake of the majority of the members who have joined the PCG just to help the Agency and are asking nothing in return,” the 1st source said.

The two PCG auxiliaries said they have spent many years helping the PCG and other government agencies instead of joining organizations like Rotary Club, Philippine Eagles and the like.

“Marami diyan, napakalaki na ng nagastos sa pagtulong sa PCG pero walang inisip na kapalit. Gusto lang nilang tumulong kaya masakit sa kanila na masanggkot sa kontrobersiyang ito,” said the 2nd source who is into the export business.

The Journal Group said the PCG leadership has already ordered a ‘purging’ of their list of auxiliaries with everybody being asked to produce a clearance from the National Security Council as a condition for their re-entry into the organization.

“If you are not involved in any illegal activities, in any shenanigans, kung hindi ka spy, malakas ang loob mo na ma-reinstate lalo na kung taga-Manila ka. Pero kung nasa China ka palagi, papano ka magpapa-reinstate? Papano ka mag-aapply,” said the 2nd source in broken Tagalog.

One of the most popular and influential Coast Guard Auxiliary is the late philanthropist Dr. James Dy, the chairman of the Chinese General Hospital who passed away on July 31 last year at the age of 92.

A known friend to almost all Philippine presidents, other government and security officials, Dr. Dy was a PCG Auxiliary with the rank of Rear Admiral for seven years.

The two PCG auxiliaries said they don’t mind getting money from their own pockets each time the PCG needs help in doing humanitarian works like medical missions in areas ravaged by

“Yang mga yan voluntary lang lahat yan., no questions asked pag tumutulong kami. Sasabihin din naming na sa mga Chinamen na narerecruit, mga 10 to 30 percent lang ang mga loko diyan, hindi lahat. Ang kokonting yun, sila yung nag-join for influence, gusto magyabang sa ibang Chinamen, me bodyguards, me wangwang, me Coast Guard markings sa sasakyan nila,” the 1st source said.

PCG spokesperson.Rear Admiral Armand Balilo earlier laughed off speculations that dozens of Chinese businessmen-turned PCG auxiliaries were spying for Beijing or involved in the hacking of the PCG’s website and Facebook page.

He said the 36 Chinese nationals-turned-Coast Guard Auxiliary members for making donations to the agency were never involved in its sensitive operations and in fact had helped the agency’s humanitarian assistance response which prompted the PCG to invite them to be a member of their reserve force.