Port security officials in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental, nabbed three men carrying more than P9 million cash in three backpacks on Saturday.
Authorities decided to apprehend the three suspicion-looking men carrying identical backpacks weighing almost the same while coming out from a RoRo ship from Batangas.
Senior Police Inspector Santiago Balverde, head of port security, said that the three men identified as Daniel Nuestro (37) from Culiat Quezon City, Teofilo Ragodon (28), and Jason Palmes Palmes (47) both from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. All three men are carrying Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) identification cards.
KMU main office in Quezon City earlier today confirmed that the three men are among their officials stationed in Mindoro Occidental, but did not comment about the money.
The Calapan Port Security on Saturday received a tip from undisclosed source that the New People’s Army (NPA) in Occidental Mindoro is expecting a large sum of money from metro Manila, and could be possibly delivered through hand carry.
None of the three arrested members of militant labor group speak about why they carry such big amount of money and where to deliver.
No case was filed against the three apprehended men, but the police said they will not be released until AMLC (Anti-money Laundering Council) give clearance.
Since the KMU has connection with the rebel NPA, police are suspecting that the money is intended for the NPA operating in Mindoro Island.
The money obviously did not appear to be come from any bank at it was not organized well, and only bundled with rubber bands.
KMU main office has refused to comment about the money as of press time. /Jane Salgado/