PSG man in ATM card cloning sacked

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has relieved one of its members after he was allegedly caught cloning automated teller machine (ATM) cards.

“Kausap ko lang po kani-kanina ang group commander ng PSG, si Commodore Raul Ubando at sinabi niyang nakapag-issue na siya ng relief order kay Ginoong Raphael Marcial at ayon po sa kanyang pagkaalam isasailalim po ito sa inquest ng fiscal’s office sa Maynila,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in a Palace press briefing.

(I was talking to PSG group commander Commodore Raul Ubando a while ago and he said he already issued a relief order for Mr. Raphael Marcial. He said he believes Marcial is undergoing inquest proceedings at the Manila fiscal’s office.)

Marcial, a Navy officer and graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2008, was arrested on Friday by Makati City police in front of the Eastwest Bank ATM booth on Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Barangay (village) Magallanes. He was allegedly carrying a scanner device supposedly used to copy ATM cards, as well as cards bearing different names. He is facing charges for violation the e-Commerce law.

Coloma said that depending on the inquest findings, both the PSG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will enforce their set of disciplinary actions.

“All PSG members and government employees are expected to be law abiding citizens at all times. They must face the consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson said.

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