Maniolas

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MANILA, Philippines — Ninoy Aquino International Airport policemen on Tuesday recovered cash worth P770,000 accidentally left in a cab by an 80-year-old Spanish tourist.

Marco Muñoz Santiago, who arrived in Manila on Monday from Sydney, Australia, said he returned to Naia Terminal 1 on Tuesday morning to return a baggage that he wrongly claimed.  After doing so, he realized that he left his shoulder bag containing cash inside the taxi.

Airport police department chief Jesus Descanzo said Santiago, a retired physical therapist, sought help from the APD office, which dispatched investigators to contact Santiago’s hotel in Manila for information regarding the cab.

The cab’s name was identified by the hotel as a “Kevin Carlo Taxi” with plate number UVJ-421.  The investigators then contacted the Land Transportation Office, which provided name of the operator, who in turn, contacted the driver.

The policemen found the cab parked along Pedro Gil Street in Ermita, Manila at around 4:30 p.m.  The driver, when confronted by the police, returned the shoulder bag.

The bag contained US$8,200, US$250-worth of travelers’ checks, and 9,800 Australian dollars and as well as Santiago’s passport and eyeglasses.  The cash and checks combined was equivalent to about P770,000 based on Wednesday’s exchange rates.

Santiago thanked the airport policemen for returning his money.

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