Man indicted for using counterfeit money

CEBU, Philippines- A 38-year-old man is charged with possession of counterfeit money after the prosecutor’s office found probable cause against him.

Assistant city prosecutor Raul Cristoria has indicted Edmundo Pitong, resident of Baryo Baho in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City, for violation of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code. Cristoria has recommended P12,000 bail for Pitong’s temporary liberty.

Pitong was arrested on February 10 at 6:25 p.m. along A. Lopez Street corner Katipunan Street in Barangay Labangon for allegedly using P1,000 fake bill to buy roasted pig.

Police Officer 1 Eugene Empic, assigned at Mabolo Police Station, said that he was in the area to buy roasted chicken when he noticed the accused using fake money.

“One customer whom I later knew as Pitong was standing on a line ahead of me. After he took a plastic pack of lechon manok, he gave P1,000 bill to the man attending the stall,” Empic said, adding that the attendant returned the money to the accused because he had no change.

Empic said the accused transferred to another stall and bought a roasted pig instead. After the accused left, Empic said he approached the attendant and check the money. After he was able to confirm that the money was bogus, Empic said he chased after the suspect and placed him under arrest.

Empic brought the suspect back to the stall but since the attendant is not interested in filing a case, the policeman acted as complainant. (FREEMAN)