AN OFFICIAL of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Northern Mindanao has warned the public against the circulation of fake peso bills especially that Christmas season is approaching.
NBI Regional Chief lawyer Hans Barbaso made the reminders following the arrest of 36-year-old Charlie Quintana in an entrapment operation in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, last September 28.
NBI agents and personnel of the Central Bank of the Philippines seized counterfeit P1,000, P500, and P100 fake bills amounting to P161,700.
The suspect was charged with violations of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code, or the illegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes.
“Pahimangno nato sa katawhan nga magbantay batok aning peke nga kwarta, especially nga hapit na Christmas season kung asa paspas ang transactions (We advise the public to be vigilant against fake bills, especially this Christmas season, when transactions are fast),” Barbaso said.
Barbaso said local establishments and the general public must be cautious and careful with transactions that involve money.
He said one must know how to determine the genuine bills to avoid being victimized by people who circulate the fake ones.
One way to detect the genuine banknotes, Barbaso said, is through its texture that has certain roughness compared to the fake ones that are smooth.
“I hope nga ma-aware ang katawhan nga magbantay labi na nga kining peke murag tinuod tan-awon kung dili gyud bantayan (I hope the public is aware against these fake bills, which really look genuine),” Barbaso said.
Authorities believed that there are still people out there, probably a syndicate, that spreads counterfeit peso bills.
“Kami nagtuo nga dili lang kini si Charlie ang gapakalat. Amo pang giimbestigahan kay basin naa pay dakong sindikato niini (Charlie is not the only ones circulating these fake bills. We are still investigating, as a big syndicate might be behind this),” Barbaso added.
Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, said they are not letting their guards down against people circulating fake banknotes in the city. (Alwen Saliring)