Quezon City cop returns checks meant for NGO

MANILA, Philippines—A Quezon City policeman who returned an envelope containing two postdated checks for P100,000 which he found beside a trash bin on the street has received a commendation for his honesty.

“All policemen should emulate his example,” Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Supt. Richard Albano said, referring to PO1 Recolito Ortego III, a member of the QCPD’s Kamuning station.

Around 11:45 p.m. on May 15, Ortego was walking back to the Police Community Relations office after going on an errand when he found an envelope at the corner of Edsa and Kamuning Road in Quezon City.

The envelope, which was lying beside a garbage can, contained two checks for P100,000 issued to Penuel Foundation, a nongovernment organization, which holds office near the intersection.

Also inside the envelope was a letter from Tess Lau, the person who had issued the checks, informing the foundation’s representative, Nestor Ravilas, of her donation.

Without any hesitation, Ortego turned over his find to his superior, station commander Supt. Limuel Obon.

Senior Supt. Joel Pagdilao, QCPD deputy director for administration, stood as witness when the district turned over the checks to Ravilas on Thursday.