The driver of A&A Marie Taxi returns the bag of his passenger containing P2.4 million cash on Jan. 18, 2025. Mayor Jerry Treñas on Monday (Jan. 20) announced he would give a P20,000 reward to the driver identified as Anthony Aguirre and confer him the recognition as an Honorary Citizen of Iloilo City. (Photo courtesy of Aldrina Pen FB page)
ILOILO CITY – Taxi driver Anthony Aguirre, 52, from Pavia town earned the admiration of the city government after returning a backpack containing P2.4 million in cash left behind by a passenger.
Aguirre would be conferred the title Honorary Citizen of Iloilo City and rewarded with P20,000 cash.
“His actions reflect the integrity and compassion of Ilonggos,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said in a statement on Monday.
Aguirre transported the passenger on Jan. 17 from a hotel to the Lapuz roll-on, roll-off wharf bound for Palawan province.
The following day, his operator received a call from the Iloilo City Police Office-Lapuz Police Station regarding the missing bag.
Upon checking his vehicle, Aguirre found the bag and promptly turned it over to authorities, with the money untouched.
“Tony’s story is an inspiration,” Treñas said, emphasizing that honesty fosters trust and pride within the community. (PNA)