Cops told: Intensify monitoring vs fake bills

CEBU, Philippines —  The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 has ordered its field commanders to intensify their monitoring against counterfeit money now that Christmas season is just around the corner.

The public are also warned against the possible proliferation of bogus money and asked to be vigilant at all times, especially during shopping.  PRO-7 director Police Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba does not discount the possibility that unscrupulous individuals might be taking advantage of the season.

He directed all the commanders on the field to beef up their surveillance against counterfeiters and immediately make the necessary arrest. Alba, however, said they have not monitored anyone manufacturing fake bills as of the moment but he does not discount the possibility.

It can be recalled that several people have been caught in the past for possession of bogus bills. In fact, there was a shop the police raided in Cebu City for producing and selling fake money.

Alba has encouraged all business establishments to use fake money detector to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous people. The police also asked the establishments to ensure that they have enough security camera as well as security personnel.

Alba urged the public to report to the nearest police station any illegal activities.

“Gaya ng sabi ko we need to have an official report of anything na yung na experience ninyo both laws violated or ordinance violated. Ang importante dito na ire-record po, hindi po natin dapat unahin yung social media doon tayo mag-report, mag-ulat tayo sa ating police stations, of course kasama ito sa evidence na nakikita natin sa social media, but the court also prefers na makukuha nilang informations direct sa police stations natin,” said Alba.

Meanwhile, Alba said they will be on full alert starting a week before Christmas to ensure that the people attending the dawn masses are secured.

According to Alba, police personnel will be deployed in areas where people converge like churches. There will also be police assistance desk outside the churches for the people to ask help from when they need it. — FPL (FREEMAN)