Military denies soldiers helped syndicates smuggle cash into PH

JC Gotinga

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Military denies soldiers helped syndicates smuggle cash into PH
It could have been retired servicemen now working for private security companies whom the Bureau of Customs spotted escorting syndicates' couriers at the airport, says AFP spokesperson Edgard Arevalo

MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday, March 4, denied any of its members were involved with syndicates that allegedly brought billions of pesos in dirty money into the Philippines, but said it will investigate the matter.

This, after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Monday, March 2, that members of the military, police, and airport security escorted alleged couriers of syndicates that illegally brought in a total of P18.7 billion through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

The AFP reached out to the BOC and its parent Department of Finance as soon as the report came out. Both responded that they could not categorically conclude that soldiers had indeed met and escorted the syndicates’ couriers at NAIA, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo told reporters at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Wednesday morning.

Officials are reviewing CCTV footage that had been the basis of the BOC’s report, but Arevalo said “offhand, raw information” suggested that what the BOC spotted could have been retired or former military servicemen currently employed by private security companies. 

Arevalo then “assured” the public that no active member of the AFP is involved in the scheme.

Nevertheless, the AFP will investigate the allegations, and if any soldier is found guilty, they “would not be allowed to remain one second longer” with the military, and they would be punished “under the full weight of the military justice system,” Arevalo said. – Rappler.com 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Avatar photo

author

JC Gotinga

JC Gotinga often reports about the West Philippine Sea, the communist insurgency, and terrorism as he covers national defense and security for Rappler. He enjoys telling stories about his hometown, Pasig City. JC has worked with Al Jazeera, CNN Philippines, News5, and CBN Asia.