Pagcor worker says theft of casino was solo act

THE security officer who surrendered nearly a month after he stole P2.8 million from a casino vault of the  Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in Mandaue City insisted he was alone in committing the theft.

Pascual Urian told this to police during investigation, according to Chief Insp. George Ylanan, chief of the Regional Special Security Group (RSOG).

Urian, who was convinced by his aunt  to surrender, yielded  last Thursday to the police in Panay town in Capiz  and surrendered P1,485,500 in cash.

He said he was tempted to steal the money due to his mounting debts and vices.

Roque Cevantes, manager of Casino Filipino Cebu, said they changed their security procedures in the wake of the theft.

Cervantes and Pagcor Parkmall manager Junjun Osmeña went to the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) when Urian was brought by police here in Cebu.

Osmeña  said they will still evaluate if a reward would be given since Urian wasn’t arrested but surrendered to the police on condition that he won’t be harmed.

Urian together with his brother Michael and PO2 Patricio Magusara who is his aunt’s husband  assigned in Panay town.

Urian said he spent half of the loot to pay debts and other expenses. He had no visitors yesterday in his detention cell  in Cebu.

Urian is facing qualified theft charges before the City Prosecutor’s office in Mandaue City.  Correspondent Chito Aragon