Banks issue advisories for long weekend sked

CEBU, Philippines - As the government declared October  31 and November 1 as special non-working holidays, several banks advised the public of their schedules for the four-day long weekend starting today.

In an online advisory, Bank of the Philippine Islands said its branches and kiosks will be closed from October 31, Monday, to November 1, Tuesday.

Metrobank, on the other hand, said all its branches will be closed on November 1.

It said checks deposited on October 29 and October 31 will be processed for clearing on November 2.

It further said its automated teller machines (ATMs) and online banking will continue to be operational 24/7.

Security Bank said its ATMs and online banking will be available during the holidays.

All of the bank's branches will also be closed on October 31 and November 1. 

In an advisory, BDO advised the banking public to be cautious in withdrawing cash during the holiday break.

"With the volume of card-related transactions expected to increase during the All Saints' Day break, BDO Unibank is encouraging its clients and the general public to be more cautious when using their cards and accounts in withdrawing cash and paying for purchases," the bank noted.

This is a good defense against "skimming" which continues to trouble cardholders, based on an industry report.

Skimming is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic stripe of an ATM debit card, a cash card or a credit card. This usually happens in sites where cards are used like in the restaurants, various establishments and ATMs.

BDO advised customers to transact in safe and reliable places; look for other options to do your transactions if the ATM and POS (point-of-sale) machines appear to be tampered; never disclose your ATM PIN to anyone and regularly change it and cover the keypad when keying in your PIN at an ATM or POS terminal; monitor your bank account details regularly; and immediately report any suspicious transactions made on your account.

The bank underscored the importance of being vigilant to foil any fraudulent activities. (FREEMAN)