PMA alum caught in ATM scam fired from PSG

MANILA, Philippines – No second chance for the Presidential Security Group (PSG) member detained by police for possessing a scanner in front of an ATM machine.

On Sunday, February 23, Malacañang said Raphael Malacay Marcial of the PSG, who is also a Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate of Class 2008 and a navy officer, was relieved following the incident.

“All PSG members and government employees are expected to be law abiding citizens at all times. They must face the consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma.

He said PSG group commander Commodore Raul Ubando issued a relief order to Marcial, who is undergoing inquest proceedings at the Manila fiscal’s office.

Depending on the findings of the office, Coloma said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PSG will mete out appropriate disciplinary actions.

Marcial, who is being accused of violating the e-Commerce law, was taken under police custody after he was caught near the Eastwest Bank ATM machine possessing a scanner, which he allegedly used to copy ATM cards.

Marcia’s misdemeanor calls yet more negative attention to the PMA which has been under the spotlight in recent days for its controversial dealing with cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia, who was set to graduate with honors but was dismissed from the Academy for allegedly being two minutes late for class. (READ: PMA cadet fights back)

AFP Chief of Staff Emmanuel Bautista has since ordered an investigation into the matter. – Rappler.com

ATM card image by Shutterstock.