In a remarkable display of integrity, building guards from the Civil City Security Unit stationed at the Mandaue City Sports Complex have exemplified professionalism by returning a lost bag containing nearly P1 million in cash and several checks. The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of January 8, 2026, highlights the unwavering commitment of public servants to their duties.
Discovery of the Valuable Bag
According to Building Guard Renaldo Gerra, the bag was discovered at approximately 5:10 PM during a routine inspection of the sports complex. At that time, the venue was being utilized by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) for processing transactions. Gerra noted that the area was quiet, as BPLO staff had already concluded their day-long operations for business permits.
He explained that the bag appeared to have been forgotten, prompting the guards to examine it as part of standard security procedures. To their astonishment, they found a substantial amount of money inside, totaling close to P1 million. The contents included bundled cash in denominations of P1,000, P500, P100, and P50, along with several checks.
Immediate Actions and Safety Measures
Given the significant value of the items, Gerra and his colleagues did not leave the bag unattended. They promptly secured it in their office to ensure its safety and immediately notified their superiors. Building Guard Dennis Mahilum emphasized their responsibility as public servants, stating, "This is part of our duty... Whatever our job is, we will do it properly and not engage in wrongdoing."
Mahilum admitted feeling nervous upon seeing the large sum of money, leading them to double-check the contents and inform their chief without delay. Since they lacked information about the owner's address, they did not attempt to contact them directly, instead waiting for the owner to return.
Owner's Return and Verification Process
The owner, identified as a collector for a company, returned to the sports complex on their own accord, suspecting they had left the bag behind. Mahilum mentioned that the owner did not expect to recover the bag, expressing surprise at its retrieval.
Before releasing the bag, the guards adhered to a strict verification procedure. This involved requesting identification from the owner and confirming the bag's contents based on the Civil City Security Unit's protocols. It was revealed that the money was not personal property but intended for company collections.
Successful Recovery and Community Impact
By 6:00 PM that evening, the bag was successfully returned to its owner with all contents intact and nothing missing. This act of honesty not only safeguarded a significant financial asset but also reinforced trust in public security personnel.
Such incidents serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity in public service, especially in roles involving security and financial handling. The guards' adherence to protocols and ethical conduct sets a commendable example for others in similar positions.
