Mastermind of counterfeit currency syndicate nabbed

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now tracking down members of a syndicate behind making computer-aided counterfeit Philippine currency after its alleged mastermind was arrested anew in Iloilo last week.

The arrest of Eduardo Pedrajas, 50, alias Rolando Pedrajas, in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo took place less than 40 days after his arrest for the same offense in Valenzuela City, according to lawyer Efren Meneses Jr., chief of the NBI-Anti Fraud and Computer Crime Division (AFCCD).

Meneses said the group apparently relocated to Iloilo after NBI agents discovered their illegal activities in Marulas, Valenzuela last May 29. During the arrest, some P.6 million fake money in P1,000, P500, P200 and P100 denominations were seized.

Meneses added that Pedrajas, along with his alleged members, including his wife, Arlene, and Rodolfo Jabiguero, 47, were charged in court. However, since the offense is bailable, Pedrajas gained his temporary liberty and continued his "business."

When NBI agents arrested Pedrajas, some P.4 million fake paper bills were seized. Pedrajas‘ six recruits Nardencio Escudero, Padric Cabillar, Evalyn Gallofin, Robert Kenneth Gallofin, Ronalyn Gallofin and Roger Joseph Salem were also arrested.

Meneses said the investigation against Pedrajas’ group stemmed from the request of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) following reports of proliferation of fake paper bills.

BSP officials urge the public to be vigilant in spotting fake peso bills. They recently circulated the booklet entitled "Know Your Philippine Currency" to help the public recognized genuine Philippine currency.

BSP anti-counterfeit investigator Enrique Ofracio said that paper from the British-firm Thomas Dela Rue, which supplies papers for currencies worldwide, are hard to acquire.