AFP Central Command denies Tiamzon couple's claims that security forces took P1.5-M from them

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): AFP Central Command denies Tiamzon couple's claims that security forces took P1.5-M from them

The Cebu-based Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday denied claims made by the Tiamzon couple that security forces who arrested them last month stole some P1.5 million from their possession.

Central Command spokesperson Lt. Jim Alagao said all items and valuables recovered from Benito and Wilma Tiamzon upon their arrest were issued receipts.

The couple were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for their crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder at around 3:15 p.m. in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan, Cebu last March 22.

“What the Tiamzons are saying (that we have the P1.5 million 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," Alagao said.

He stressed that all items and cash recovered from the two vehicles used by the Tiamzons and their companions during their arrest, including personal belongings, laptops, etc. were issued inventory receipts signed by Nona Castillo and Rex Villaflor.

Castillo and Villaflor were among the five others who were arrested together with the couple.

“The Tiamzons are blaming us for the loss of the money which I think they have spent on their lavish lifestyle. While their comrades are up in the mountains, they are living inside a mansion that is fully air conditioned. This can be verified by the soldiers, policemen and media friends who were there at their not-so-safe house during the raid," he added.

“It is ironic that they are mentioning this huge amount of money at their disposal while their fighters have a meager ‘supamil’ (support to families) of P800-P1,500 per month. This is indeed an eye opener for the New People's Army to lay down their arms and once again return to living normal lives,” Alagao pointed.

“This move of BAYAN is to discredit the accomplishment of AFP Central Command. It is also a clear manifestation that they want to undermine the efforts of the men and women of Central Command and of course our Philippine National Police counterparts, whose actions were commended by no less than the Commander-in-Chief,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=634098