A Philippine court has thrown out a criminal case against three Romanian nationals accused of ATM skimming, a decision that casts serious doubt on the competence of the investigation and evidence handling in the matter.
Court Cites Critical Lapses in Evidence
In a decision dated December 5, 2025, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 11 dismissed the case, grounding its ruling on the fundamental principle of justice that no one should be convicted without strong and clear evidence. The court meticulously outlined a series of glaring deficiencies that fatally weakened the prosecution's position.
The judge pointed to multiple failures by law enforcement and prosecutors. Crucially, CCTV footage was not properly recognized as evidence due to incorrect labeling, and a USB drive containing sensitive records was reported lost. Witnesses for the prosecution admitted their view was too limited to clearly identify the suspects and they had no personal knowledge of the actual cash withdrawals.
Perhaps most damning was the revelation that two separate search warrants carried the exact same serial number, creating significant confusion and undermining their legitimacy.
Seized Items Failed to Link Suspects to Crime
Despite the initial seizure of what seemed like incriminating items—including passports, microchips, laptops, and other equipment allegedly connected to skimming operations—the prosecution could not establish a solid connection to the specific crime. The court found that the evidence presented did not move beyond mere suspicion.
"The effort resulted in no justice for the victims, and the judicial process and hard work in preparing the case were wasted due to the lack of proper care in handling the case," the report on the decision stated.
A Wake-Up Call for Law Enforcement
This dismissal is more than a simple technical failure; it is a stark indicator of negligence in case management. Legal observers note that had basic procedures been followed—such as securing the CCTV footage, correctly marking evidence, and ensuring proper search warrant protocols—the case likely would have proceeded, potentially delivering justice for the victims.
Instead, the failure to maintain the integrity of the evidence played directly into the hands of the defense, leaving the court with no alternative but to dismiss the charges. The outcome now serves as a potent reminder to all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the Philippines about the paramount importance of meticulous evidence handling from the moment of seizure until its presentation in court.
