Woman nabbed for posing as PCG officer

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has arrested a 42-year-old woman in Capas, Tarlac for allegedly posing as an officer of the PCG.

The suspect – a native of Alcantara, Romblon –was collared in a boarding house in Barangay Sta. Lucia. She was turned over to the Capas police for proper disposition.

A verification with the Philippine National Police confirmed that the suspect has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 82 in Odiongan, Romblon for theft, the PCG said.

 Authorities are verifying cases of illegal recruitment and estafa filed against the suspect, who reportedly uses the aliases “Lt. Cmdr. Catherine Garcia” and “Catherine Garcia” to deceive her victims.

Investigation showed the suspect misrepresented herself as a PCG officer on social media, to gain the trust and solicit money from her victims.

The PCG urged people victimized by the suspect to step forward and file complaints.

It said it is coordinating with concerned agencies for the filing of appropriate charges including estafa, usurpation of authority and illegal recruitment against the suspect.