A VILLAGE chief has warned local businessmen especially in Barangay Balibago against fake bills circulating in Angeles City.
Balibago Chairman Tony Mamac told SunStar Pampanga that the barangay has been receiving numerous complaints from business establishments like groceries, restaurants, and small stores.
"Araw araw may mga report po kaming natatanggap tungkol sa mga pekeng pera, P1,000 at P500 bills na ipinambabayad sa mga binili sa grocery, retaurant at maliliit na tindahan," Mamac said.
The barangay official, who is a retired police officer, said a counterfeit money syndicate usually operates during election period and Christmas season.
Mamac said they are now conducting surveillance and intelligence works to identify the people or groups behind these fake bills.
"Kung kaya nananawagan po kami sa lahat ng mga nagnenegosyo na suriing mabuti ang mga perang binabayad sa kanila bago ito tanggapin at suklian," the village chief stressed.
He urged traders who encountered fake money to report at once to nearest police station or the barangay hotline.
"At kung sakali na peke ang perang ibinayad sa kanila, i report po agad ito sa kapulisan o tumawag sa Barangay Balibago Hotline para mahuli natin ang mga tao na kasangkot sa ganitong illegal na gawain," Mamac said.
Producing or using counterfeit money is a form of fraud or forgery and punishable by law, the barangay chairman added.