8 suspects arrested, yield fake US dollars, bank notes in Isabela

These fake bills, treasury and bank notes were seized in Tumauini town, Isabela province in an entrapment operation on March 23. PHOTO FROM TUMAUINI POLICE

TUMAUINI, Isabela-Eight people were arrested for selling counterfeit US dollars, other foreign bills and bank deposit certificates on Tuesday (March 23), police said.

Maj. Rolando Gatan, Tumauini police chief, identified the suspects as Menerva Roan, Fe Borromeo, Michelle Quitalib, Monette Baronia, Pilar Castilleja, Rowena De Guzman, Aji Marquez and Jay Mark Bredico.

Gatan said agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Isabela and local police carried out the operation after getting a tip from residents of Barangay 3.

The suspects tried to sell the counterfeit money, with face value of P2 million, to an undercover agent during the entrapment operation.

Seized were five fake uncut 100 US dollars worth $14,000; a Golden US dollar worth $1 million; two 100 US dollar bank notes and two other US bank notes; 60 pieces of Zimbabwenian dollar bank notes of various denominations and 100 pieces of Iraqi dinars of various denominations.

Authorities also seized 23 Vietnam Dong bank notes; 45 various bank notes from Malaysia, China, Yugoslavia, Brazil and other countries; and 12 pieces of HSBC bank deposit certificates worth P57-trillion each.

Aside from the counterfeit money and bank notes, police also seized seven .45-caliber pistols and a van.

The suspects will be charged with possession of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit and unlicensed firearms.

TSB