Fake P1,000 bills seized in Valenzuela

Police arrested two women after they attempted to use counterfeit money in purchasing a mobile phone last Tuesday in Valenzuela City.

Inspector Rhoderick Juan, Valenzuela City police Station Investigation Unit chief, identified the suspects as Leonora Moreles, 31, a resident of Barangay Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City, and Sandy Santos, 32, of Maypajo, Caloocan City.

The suspects were arrested after buying a cellular phone at the Royal Family Mall on Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City at around 6:30 p.m.

The store employee noticed that the two P1,000 bills the suspects paid the store had a different texture.

This prompted the employee to seek help from a nearby police sub-station.

A team led by PO1 Jonathan Dinauto searched the mall and apprehended the suspects with the help of the store employee.

Police recovered 12 more fake P1,000 bills from the two women.

The suspects told police that the money was a "gift" from their uncle, who just arrived from Davao City.

The suspects said that they were not aware that the bills were a fake.

Police, however, are still set to file charges against the two women.

Chief Superintendent Raul Gonzales, Northern Police District director, alerted residents in the northern part of Metro Manila and NPD cops to be extra vigilant for the possible proliferation of counterfeit money.