The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported Tuesday that six cops have been placed under restrictive custody for allegedly stealing P13 million from cash evidence collected during a raid at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in October 2024.

DILG said that the money was part of the P141 million seized during the operation.

Authorities discovered the missing money when a court in November this year ruled that the search was illegal and ordered the money returned to the property owners.

“Of the total 141 million pesos seized by the operatives on the POGO raid, it was held in custody by several police officers. And when the court ruled that the search was illegal, the monies were returned to the owners,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a press briefing.

“Upon opening of the evidence, out of P141 million, only P128 million was left. What was left in the other box was boodle money, fake money. So, upon careful investigation, we have identified the culprits,” he added.

The six officers allegedly received an amount from the stolen money.

CIDG acting director Police Major General Robert Morico II said one of their personnel in restrictive custody was the designated evidence custodian.

“Six officers were identified to be involved in the pilferage of this and theft of this money, considered as evidence. Among those who took the money is the designated evidence custodian,” he said.

Criminal complaints have been filed against the six officers including qualified theft, malversation of public funds, opening of closed documents, falsification of public documents, and illegal possession or use of false treasury or bank notes.

Administrative charges have also been initiated against the cops.