In a significant breach of trust, six personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been removed from their posts after allegedly stealing P13.451 million from cash evidence seized during a raid on an alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) in Bagac, Bataan.
The Raid and the Missing Millions
The case stems from an operation on October 29, 2024, at Central One Bataan, where authorities confiscated a total of P141,133,483. According to CIDG acting director Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II, the money was properly accounted for and placed under court seal after the raid.
Morico explained that on June 5, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Jose Joey Arandia was assigned as the custodian for the cash evidence. During a routine reshuffle and accounting of all cash evidence in September, it was discovered that Arandia had taken the boxes containing the money from Central One Bataan to his home.
Arandia returned the boxes on October 21. However, because the boxes remained sealed under a court order related to an ongoing case, they could not be immediately opened. The CIDG then placed the boxes under 24/7 guard in a conference room, with the seizing officers and Arandia himself watching over them.
The Discovery of Boodle Money
The truth unraveled in November 2025 when the court ordered the turnover of the seized cash to the company's legal representative. On November 20, the nine sealed boxes were opened in the presence of the legal counsel for One Bataan.
It was then discovered that P13,451,000 was missing. In a brazen act, the thieves had replaced the stolen cash with boodle money—cut-up paper designed to resemble banknotes—inside the sealed evidence boxes.
Confessions and Charges Filed
One of the officers assigned to guard the money, Patrolman Kristian Nards Andaya, admitted his involvement. In a sworn affidavit, Andaya confessed to taking P4.5 million from the missing sum.
His statement implicated five other colleagues. According to the CIDG chief, Andaya identified Police Executive Master Sergeant Erick Castro, Police Staff Master Sergeant Michael Camillion, and Patrolman Kenji Francisco, who allegedly took P2.3 million each. Patrolmen Jesus Fulgencio and Raymark Solas were tagged for stealing P1.3 million each.
The six accused personnel, now under restrictive custody, are facing a slew of criminal charges including:
- Qualified Theft
- Malversation
- Falsification of Public Documents
- Illegal Possession or Use of False Treasury or Bank Notes
They are also confronting administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and negligence. An investigation into Lieutenant Colonel Arandia's role is still ongoing.
Official Condemnation and Zero Tolerance
Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez strongly condemned the act, assuring the public that the PNP will not tolerate such wrongdoing.
Echoing this sentiment, National Police Commission vice chairman and executive officer, lawyer Rafael Calinisan, delivered a stern warning. He emphasized that corrupt officers have no place in the agency and that returning stolen money does not absolve them of criminal liability.
"You cannot undo the act," Calinisan stated. "So even if you return it, we're sorry, you tampered with what was not yours. You will be held accountable."
