Ship captain loses $45,000 'padala' to robbers

MANILA, Philippines - A ship captain who just arrived home reportedly lost $45,000 to robbers who broke the window of his sport utility vehicle while he was dining with his family at a restaurant complex along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City Saturday night.

Raul Ambito told police the money, which was in a laptop bag in his car, was entrusted to him as “padala” by Filipino colleagues abroad, who asked him to deliver it to their families.

Ambito also lost important papers in the incident, including his license, said Chief Inspector Raymund Liguden, head of Pasay police’s investigation unit.

In a follow-up operation yesterday, police took into custody two men who contacted Ambito and asked him for money in exchange for his stolen documents.

Former military man Oscar Dange, 40, told police the papers were found by his friend, street vendor Sixto Beatriz Jr., at the Heritage Park in Taguig City yesterday morning.

“Thinking there could be reward money, they contacted Ambito, who in turn called the police,” Liguden said.

He added that there is insufficient evidence to link the two men to the theft, but Ambito has asked them to help him explain to his colleagues abroad that their money was stolen.

Liguden said investigators will look into the negligence of Ambito and the complex administration. He said there is “very lax” security in the complex “despite exacting parking fees from customers.”

Liguden said since policemen are not allowed to patrol private properties, the complex administration should impose tighter security measures for its customers.

“They have a role to safeguard their customers, unless they will allow policemen to patrol around the complex,” Liguden said over the phone, adding at least four thefts have been recorded there since September.

He also said Ambito “should have secured” his bag, which could be seen through the windows of his car. “Why would you leave your bag in full of view of everyone?” Liguden said.