PSG member caught withdrawing money with cloned ATM card

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who is also a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) " Baghawi" Class of 2008 was arrested by the Makati Police on Friday night for allegedly withdrawing cash from an automated teller machine using a cloned card.

A report from the Makati Police identified the suspect as Raphael Malacay Marcial, of 217 Manga St., Barangay West Rembo and a member of the Philippine Navy with serial number 0-15573.

According to the report, Marcial was arrested by a police patrol team while withdrawing cash from an EastWest bank ATM along Pasong Tamo Extension at about 11:30 p.m.

According to a source from the Makati Police, prior to Marcial's arrest, Makati police were informed by retired Col. Butch Abalon, head of East West bank's security department that several of the bank's clients have been losing money from unauthorized withdrawals.

With the information, the Makati Police then started a surveillance operation.

On Friday night, Marcial was caught by a closed circuit television camera (CCTV) at the East West bank's Pasong Tamo Extension branch as he alighted from his motorcycle and suspiciously walked toward the ATM machine with his helmet still on. A few minutes later, a Makati Police patrol car appeared and he was arrested.

According to the source, when police officers inspected Marcial's motorcycle, they found that its license plates had been covered.

Seized from Marcial were 11 cloned ATM cards issued by different banks.

The source said it was while being questioned that Marcial revealed being a member of the PSG and being a member of PMA Class 2008.

According to the source, Marcial still refuses to divulge if he is part of group involved in the cloning of ATM cards. He is detained at the Makati Police headquarters as charges for violating Republic Act 8484 or the "Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998," are being readied against him.