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MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Foreign Affairs has sent an official to Dubai to investigate the P1.5-million burglary at the Philippine consulate general there, its spokesman said.
Claro Cristobal said Wednesday that Crescente Relacion, executive director of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, was assigned to the case.
The crime, where an estimated P1.5 million worth of currency was taken from the vault, is believed to have happened September 5, a Friday and day-off for members and staff of the consulate general.
Relacion's mission is part of the DFA's internal investigation into the crime; Dubai authorities are also in on the case.
Local news reports in Dubai said the thieves cleaned out all the contents of the vault, which contained 100,000 dirhams, checks, and a passport before leaving the room open.
Reports about the amount lost range from 45,000 dirhams to 150,000 dirhams.
The crime is believed to have been an inside job as no forced entry was observed; and the key and combination to the vault were reportedly accidentally left behind.
Cristobal said the DFA has instructed the consulate general to take immediate measures to ensure that the burglary would not adversely affect its delivery of services.
