Seven former personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been dismissed from service for stealing PHP 13 million in cash evidence seized from an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in Bagac, Bataan in 2024.
Dismissed Officers
Among those stripped of their badges was Lieutenant Colonel Joey Arandia, the former CIDG cash evidence custodian. The dismissal order came after an internal investigation revealed the theft of the seized funds.
Background of the Case
On October 29, 2024, CIDG operatives raided Central One Bataan in Bagac, an alleged illegal Pogo, and seized a total of PHP 141,133,483.00. The cash was properly accounted for and sealed by the court. On June 5, 2025, Arandia was designated as the CIDG cash evidence custodian.
During a personnel reshuffle in September 2025, incoming CIDG director Major General Robert Morico II ordered an accounting of all cash evidence. It was then discovered that Arandia had taken home boxes containing cash from the Central One Bataan raid.
Recovery and Missing Funds
On October 21, 2025, Arandia returned the boxes of cash, which were later ordered by the court to be returned to Central One Bataan. However, during inventory, it was found that PHP 13.451 million was missing from the returned amount.
A policeman admitted involvement in the pilferage and identified his cohorts. Criminal charges for qualified theft, malversation, falsification of public documents, and illegal possession or use of false treasury or bank notes have been filed against the police suspects.
