2 HS students cited for returning P.35 million

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya  – The Department of Education cited two high school juniors in Aritao town in this province now being hailed for their honesty.

Thanks to Jurel Culay-an and Jovelito Corpuz of the Aritao National High School, a businessman got back his leather pouch containing P350,000 in cash and checks.

Chief Insp. Chevalier Iringan, Aritao police chief, said the two students were having their early morning jog Sept. 12 when they stumbled upon a leather pouch in front of the public market.

Instead of getting the pouch, they proceeded to the nearby police detachment and reported their find. Policemen, in turn, were the ones who retrieved the pouch.

“We were very afraid then upon seeing the cash. It’s our first time to see such (an amount),” police quoted one of the students as saying.

A few hours later, a palay trader, who requested not to be identified, went to the police station and reported the loss of his pouch, which matched the one found by the students. 

The palay trader said his pouch – which contained P150,000 in cash and several checks – could have slipped from his lap when he alighted from his car to buy some goods at the public market. 

School principal Buena Fe Ramos said the honesty of the two students is worthy of emulation.

“We are very glad that they remain honest despite their financial difficulties. We are very proud of them,” she said.