MANILA, March 21 -- A House leader on Thursday said Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials behind the recruitment of Chinese nationals as auxiliary members should face accountability.

Chinese nationals in the PCG undermines the country's security, especially amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea, House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said in a press conference.

"I'm sure there will be people who should be made accountable. It's not what we can consider an honest mistake. I'm sure the concealment is something that's malicious and that is a serious threat to national security," he said.

The PCG clarified in a House hearing that the Chinese nationals have alread...