CIDG warns public vs fake P500 bills

MANILA, Philippines - Police warned the public yesterday against the proliferation of fake P500 bills in Metro Manila.

The warning was issued after the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a couple for possession of 100 pieces of bogus P500 bills.

CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Division chief Superintendent Alexander Tagum said Virgilio Bocabar and Violeta Bendijo were arrested on C-5 Road in Phase 2, Taguig last March 11.

“We want to educate the public on how to determine a fake peso bill from a real one. It’s so easy, all you have to do is to feel, look and tilt,” Tagum said.

Tagum noted that a fake peso bill is made of shiny and smooth paper whereas an original peso bill uses rough and thick paper and the reflection of the pictures of the late former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and the late former President Corazon Aquino on the right portion of the bill is apparent.

“When you tilt the paper bill, the watermark figure of the national heroes could be seen. We can also see the security seal has notes of 500, which could not be seen on the fake bills,” he added.

Another aspect, Tagum said, is the clear, sharp print of the genuine paper bill while the counterfeit looks faded.

Tagum, however, admitted that the syndicate has been using sophisticated machines since the appearance of the fake bills were very similar to the genuine bills.

“We are warning the public to take precautionary measures so as not to fall victim to criminal syndicates behind the proliferation of fake paper bills,” he said.

He reminded the people that the policy of “last touch” is applicable to the fake paper bills, meaning if a person uses the fake money, he or she could be held liable for illegal possession and use of false treasury bills.