6 CIDG members relieved over P13.45M evidence theft

Six members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been relieved and placed under restrictive custody for the alleged theft of P13.45 million in evidence.

The missing money was part of P141 million seized during an anti-trafficking operation in Bataan in October 2024.

The theft was discovered on November 20 when a Pasay court ordered the evidence to be unsealed, revealing boodle money instead of genuine cash.

The CIDG members involved are Executive Master Sergeants Erick Castro and Michael Camillo, and Patrolmen Jesus Fulgencio Jr., Kristian Nards Andaya, Kenji Francisco, and Reymart Solas.

Lt. Col. Jose Joey Arandia, the former CIDG unit chief and designated evidence custodian, has denied involvement in the theft, stating he allowed the money to be brought to his residence for safekeeping and later identified the suspects.

Central One Bataan, the claimant of the seized money, has shut down following a raid that has reportedly left over 1,500 people jobless.