Locals gang up on trio for fake P500 bills
Charges are up on three male suspects with counterfeit P500 bills after a failed escape from a group of irate locals in Oton, Iloilo.
Now behind bars, the trio were identified by authorities as 32 year old Ramil Romero, 31 year old Gerry Flores both of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and 22 year old Bryan Duran of Samar, Leyte.
In a report, The News Today (TNT) gathered that the suspects managed to victimize an unsuspecting vendor at the Oton Public Market. When yet another attempt was made, the woman victim saw the trio and immediately alerted the market-in-charge, Elmer De Los Santos. When confronted, the suspects tried to flee however tricycle drivers nearby were alerted and joined in the chase as they later ganged up on the three.
Responding police discovered a total of P15,000 worth of similar fake bills as more victims are now feared to have been conned by the suspects.
Meantime, an anti-smuggling task force has now been formed and activated and set to meet with local traders in both city and province of Iloilo.
The resurgence of smuggling activities in the region is said to have defrauded the government of millions in revenues reason why Senior Supt. Francisco Montenegro, Task Force Executive Director came up with contingency measures.
Specifics were not readily available, however TNT sources said legitimate traders and businessmen have similarly expressed support on said move.