Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed six police officers of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under restrictive custody following allegations of their involvement in the theft of evidence money seized during a raid on a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Bataan last October. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla made the announcement at a press briefing held at Camp Crame.
According to Philippines News Agency, the raid resulted in the seizure of PHP141,133,483. However, a court later ordered on November 19 the return of the sum and other confiscated items, declaring the operation illegal after an inventory revealed that approximately PHP13.4 million was missing. Remulla confirmed that the CIDG members involved in the cover-up and pilferage of the evidence had been identified through a detailed investigation.
"In the opening of the evidence, out of PHP141 million, only PHP128 million was accounted for, and what remained in another box was found to be fake money," Remulla disclosed, referencing the counterfeit currency often used in operations. Further details were provided by CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico, who noted that the raid was conducted on October 29 by CIDG operatives and agents of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) under a search warrant for potential human trafficking violations.
The seized money was stored at the CIDG for safekeeping. In September, upon assuming his role as CIDG chief, Morico ordered an inventory of all cases and evidence. It was then discovered on September 25 by the new evidence custodian that nine boxes of cash were missing and not listed in the inventory, having been taken by the former CIDG custodian. Although the boxes were returned, they remained sealed and unopened, bearing the signature of the judge overseeing the case.
On November 29, criminal charges were filed against six policemen: Pat. Rolman Andaya, Executive M/Sgt. Erick Castro, Senior M/Sgt. Michael Camillo, Pat. Kenji Francisco, Pat. Jesus Fulgencio, and Pat. Raymark Solas. The charges included violations of articles related to qualified theft, malversation of public funds, opening of closed documents, falsification of public documents, and illegal possession or use of false treasury notes.
Gen. Morico also indicated that administrative cases, including charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and violations of PNP evidence handling protocol, are being prepared. National Police Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan emphasized the PNP's zero tolerance for corruption among its ranks and commended the proactive measures of Gen. Morico and acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez in uncovering the irregularities.
Calinisan stated that the National Police Commission would not intervene in the ongoing investigation but would await the filing of administrative cases.
