ORION, Bataan, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard is now closely monitoring the reported extortion activities of a number of “Bantay Dagat” members from Cavite, following complaints from fishermen that these armed Bantay Dagat men have been resorting to extortions and other forms of harassment along the Manila Bay area.

Chief Petty Officer Tomas Langgido, Officer-In-charge of the Coast Guard Bataan-Cavite Area, said that they have already heard such complaints that a number of civilian members of the Bantay Dagat have resorted to harassment and extortion activities among the legitimate fishermen in Manila Bay. “Minomonitor na natin tong mga nangingikil na ito sa dagat. In fact, may nasampulan na tayo last year na nangongotong,” said Langgido.

A number of fishermen sought the media’s assistance Thursday regarding the extortion activities of a number of Bantay Bagat members who claimed to be under the command of Tanza town, Cavite.
“Palagi po kaming tinatakot, tinututukan ng baril at hihilahin ang aming bangka kapag hindi kami nagbigay ng pera at isda sa kanila kapag nakikita kami sa dagat,” said a fishing boat owner who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

These Dantay Bagat members from Tanza, they said, had even operated along the coastal areas of Bataan. “Sabi po ng mga Bantay Dagat members na ito ay under daw nila ang Coast Guard at Maritime PNP, kaya puwede silang mag operate daw maski saan,” another fishermen told newsmen.

Langgido pointed out that the Bantay Dagat members should coordinate with them or the local PNP every time they are going to launch operations along the Manila Bay to avoid misencounters with the government forces along the Manila Bay.

Few years ago, six dead men, all with gunshot wounds, were seen floating along the Manila Bay, raising suspicion that there had been an armed encounter along the high seas.