ILOILO – A scheme to circulate counterfeit money in Banate town ended in swift arrest after sharp-eyed vendors at the public market detected suspicious bills and stopped the suspects from escaping.
Police identified the suspects as “RJ,” 29, and “Jena,” 19, both residents of Purok 2 Street, Calumpang, Calumpit, Bulacan. The two are now detained at the Banate Municipal Police Station, facing charges for the use and possession of fake currency.
The suspects reportedly arrived at the Banate public market around 8 a.m. on April 4, making small purchases at different stalls – first from a fish vendor and then from a nearby sari-sari store.
But the plan quickly unraveled when the vendors noticed something off about the cash handed over: the texture and color didn’t match authentic bills.
Rather than panic, the vendors acted decisively. With help from fellow stall owners, they blocked the suspects’ path and held them until local police arrived.
Recovered from the suspects were multiple counterfeit bills, now in the custody of authorities as evidence.
Banate police praised the vendors for their vigilance and cooperation, noting that their quick thinking prevented further circulation of fake money in the area.
An investigation is underway to trace the origin of the counterfeit bills and determine if the suspects are part of a larger network operating beyond Banate.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has been notified for further verification and monitoring. Meanwhile, authorities are urging vendors and business owners to remain on guard and report any questionable banknotes immediately./PN
