PNP warns vs fake money

CEBU, Philippines - The police yesterday warned the public against the circulation of fake money this Christmas season and reminded that people should remain vigilant against lawless elements, given the expected rise in cash withdrawals in anticipation of the long holiday vacation.

Superintendent Romeo Santander, Cebu City Police Office-City Intelligence Branch chief, said they have coordinated with the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office in monitoring areas in the city where proliferation of fake money is detected.

He also said that they have a list of barangays in the city that are subject for validation and monitoring. 

Santander said they are also eyeing personalities who might be responsible in the manufacture of fake bills. 

These personalities, he said, have ties mostly work in groups and have already been arrested but were able to post bail.

Santander said these people usually take advantage of the holiday season when people are too busy to notice that the money they receive is counterfeit.

“Based sa among observation, mogara man na sila kay during sa binayranay, ang tindera wa nay panahon mag-scan pa tungod sa kadaghan sa tawo. Dawat lang ng dawat. Then all of a sudden, ma-realize nila na fake diay inig-close nila,” he said.

He advised business establishments to strictly impose and observe security measures, including using money detectors and other equipment to differentiate fake bills from genuine ones

Santander, though, said they have far not received any complaint from an establishment.

Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, Police Regional Office–7 director, also reminded the business community, including malls, establishments and ordinary cash handlers , to be cautious when it comes to handling and accepting money in order to avoid being deceived from counterfeiters.

“In these times kung kailan busy ang mga tao at marami ang mamimili, there are people who are thinking of taking advantage instead of sharing the blessings and enjoy the yuletide season. So make sure hindi kayo maloloko,” he stated.

The police will also coordinate with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on the possible proliferation of counterfeit money.

Meanwhile, Santander encouraged banks and financial establishments to properly secure their automated teller machines against unlawful elements.

He added that security personnel should assist and ensure the safety of those who will withdraw money from the ATMs.

He said that station commanders will also be directed to cluster the ATMs in their areas of responsibility so as to increase police presence,

They will also identify those ATMs that mostly have queuing lines.

Santander appealed so for the public to report to the police any unusual or suspicious persons or activities when withdrawing money. — (FREEMAN)