Taxi driver returns P1M compensation check left behind by Martial Law victim

A taxi driver on Thursday turned over a P1 million check that was given as compensation to a human rights victim during the Marcos regime.

More than a month ago, Orlando Arapol left a plastic envelope containing the check in a taxi, just after he received it, Mariz Umali reported in 24 Oras.

In a previous report by Ian Cruz, Arapol appealed to whoever had his check to surrender it to GMA. The check is only valid until August.

Only having learned of the report, taxi driver Joel Alilam approached GMA News carrying the envelope.

He recalled having dropped off Arapol and his two companions on Elliptical Road in Quezon City, and only noticed the envelope when he was on Visayas Avenue.

"Bumalik po ako inikot ko po sila, wala, hindi ko nakita. Tapos umikot na naman po ako, wala na wala pa rin sila," he said.

Alilam said he went around the Elliptical Circle three times.

He added that he did not open the envelope and did not know where to take it, so he just left it in a cabinet.

After learning that the incident was reported on 24 Oras, he immediately called GMA to ask for help returning the check to Arapol.

However, Arapol, who is from Davao, cannot be contacted at this time because his phone is turned off.

Alilam instead turned over the check to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

He was given a commendation, gifts, and cash as a reward for his efforts.

CHR spokesperson Jackie de Guia said that the compensation money was a big deal because it is part of the justice for what the victim has suffered.

"Malaking bagay ito doon sa tao kasi bilang pagkamit ng hustisya, importante sa kanila rin yung reparation. Bahagi kasi yan ng justice. Saludo kami kay Mang Joel dahil ibinalik niya yung tseke," she said.

CHR said it will bring the check directly to Arapol to make sure it reaches him. — Jessica Bartolome/BM, GMA News