Manila: A man was arrested for allegedly asking PHP350,000 each from applicants for an assured slot with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the CIDG Detective Special Operations Unit and PCG Intelligence Division operatives nabbed the suspect, identified as alias "Morris," in an entrapment along P. Campa Street corner Espa±a Boulevard, Manila on May 22. The suspect was caught while receiving money from PCG applicants, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in a news release.

The applicants claimed Morris misrepresented himself as having connections and influence in the PCG. The suspect was charged before the National Prosecution Service with violation of Article 315 (estafa/swindling) of the Revised Penal Code for pretense or fraudulent representation that he has power, influence, and qualifications, which can help the applicants enter the PCG.

Torre said the arrest 'prevented and solved future scams and fraud and saved the unsuspecting applicants from giving their family's hard-earned money to the swindler.' 'Let us capture more of these criminals who take advantage, exploit, and victimize applicants,' he said. He reminded applicants to directly apply to concerned government agencies.