Pampanga man takes to Facebook to return money left at an ATM

Last February 12, Allen Tolentino (who works for the DSWD Mabalacat, Pampanga) sent an appeal via Facebook. Tolentino apparently came upon some money left behind at an ATM machine and was looking for the hapless owner.

“Kung sino man ang nag withdraw kanina sa ATM ng Security Bank Jollibee Mabalacat around 7:05 pm. Feb. 12 2016 Umalis po siya pero na cash out ung pera Php 5,800 na di nya alam. (To whoever withdrew money earlier at the Security Bank ATM at Jollibee Mabalacat at around 7:05 pm, Feb. 12, 2016. He left but the machine dispensed PhP5,800 without him knowing.)” Tolentino wrote. “Pinagpaguran po nya ito kaya gusto kong maibalik sa kung sino man ang nagma may ari. Paki share nalang po. Salamat! (He worked hard for the money, so I want to return it to the owner. Please share. Thank you.)”

Currently generating 100 reactions and 52,896 shares, messages of encouragement rained down on Tolentino’s post. Many praised him for being honest.

“Ur a very gud samaritan cousin….” replied Maie Mendiola. “mbuhay ka!”

Even Tolentino’s boss was impressed by the act. “So proud of u being one of my staffs. I salute u for being so sincere & honest u truly deserve to be called a Good Samaritan & dependable public servan. God bless u more,” wrote Josephine Tanglao.

A few of Tolentino’s Facebbok friends asked him to be cautious when dealing with people who will come forward to claim the money. “Isa kang bayaning pampaguenio brod (You’re a Pampangueno hero),” said Totoy Dizon, “pero wag ka muna makaksiguro bro, baka biglang may pupunta sayo sabihin sa kanya yan,, dapat makita mo ATM no nia,, and valid ID,, sure sa kanya talaga yan,, salamat bro,, mabuhay ka! (But don’t be careless. Maybe someone will say it’s theirs, you have to check their ATM card and valid ID to know if it’s really theirs. Thanks.)”

Quite a number, however, advised Tolentino to just turn over the money to the bank. “Dapat report mula mismu security bank brother, (You should report this directly to Security Bank, brother.)” said Sette Basco-Mercado.