Where did the money go?

CEBU, Philippines - The Holy Week may be a time for rest for many but not for some employees of a private hospital in Cebu City who discovered their money in the bank gone.

One employee who spoke on condition of anonymity  told The FREEMAN it was last Thursday evening when some of her colleagues started wondering if their salary has indeed been deposited.

Normally, their salary is released every 5th and 20th of  the month but was scheduled to be deposited earlier this week, on April 15 to be exact, because banks were closed during the long holiday.

They  reportedly confirmed that the hospital has deposited their salary to the bank but those who tried to withdraw money via the automated teller machine inside the hospital found their money gone.

Even those who just inquired for their available balance using the same ATM were affected.

They suspect that the ATM at the hospital has been tampered with because those who reportedly tried to withdraw money from another ATM did not encounter the problem.

The FREEMAN could not ascertain the number of those affected but the source said several of her colleagues have already filed a formal complaint with the bank yesterday morning. Complaint forms were reportedly made available at the hospital for the employees concerned.

The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the hospital and the bank pending official statements from both companies. 

The source said the bank has assured her colleagues that it is now looking into the incident. Those not affected by the problem were advised to withdraw their money immediately and to have their accounts put on hold. 

Another source affected directly by the problem told The FREEMAN she found her money gone on Good Friday. Considering it was just two days after payday and she had not withdrawn any money yet at that time, she was surprised that only P20 was left in her account.

The hospital reportedly advised her to file a complaint with the bank concerned and for the rest of the employees who have not been affected to withdraw their money right away.

On Friday, the bank reportedly said at least 10 hospital employees have complained about the problem.

The source said the bank should advise clients immediately if the ATM at the hospital or the bank accounts have been tampered with so that possible victims will be warned.  (FREEMAN)