AFP to Tiamzons: What P1.5-M? We seized only 23K

MANILA, Philippines – Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) top leaders Benito Tiamzon and wife Wilma Austria are accusing the military and police of taking from them P1.5 million, the money they were supposedly carrying when they were arrested last month.The military denied the allegation.

The couple claimed the money was meant to help victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). (READ: Tiamzons were overseeing rehab work in Yolanda areas)

The Tiamzons were arrested in Cebu on March 22 for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder, multiple murder, and frustrated murder charges. They were also accused of illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (READ: Tiamzons were overseeing rehab work in Yolanda areas)

But Cebu-based Central Command chief Major General John Bonafos said only P23,545.35 were taken from the couple and the money was turned over to certain people with appropriate receipts.

“What the Tiamzons are saying (that we have the P1.5M in our custody) is completely false. As a matter of fact, the recovered money (total of P23,545.35); and other items were accounted properly, with witnesses,” Bonafos said in a statement on Thursday, April 10.

Bonafos said P12,130.5 were found in the Innova and P10,415.30 from the Starex. These amounts, including the Tiamzons’ personal belongings such as laptops, were supposedly received by a certain Nona Castillo and Rex Villaflor.

Word war

The word war continues between the military and militant organizations protesting the arrest of the Tiamzon couple. They are supposedly immune from arrest because they are consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the CPP negotiating peace talks with the government.

The government maintains they are not covered by any immunity deal. (READ: CPP chief, wife not covered by ‘immunity’ and Top CPP leaders arraigned for 26-year-old-crimes)

The Karapatan human rights group earlier branded the P20-million reward money for tipsters as military “racket.” (READ: Tiamzon informants to get P20M, says AFP)

The military, for its part, also accused the couple of living a “lavish lifestyle,” citing the supposed expensive maintenance of pet cats, the P20,000 rent for the house in Cebu, and their gadgets. – Rappler.com