• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is urging business owners and vendors to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency, particularly as commercial activity is ramping up with the ongoing MassKara Festival.
The warning follows a recent incident at the Libertad Public Market, where fruit vendors fell victim to a scam involving P4,500 in fake bills.
BCPO director, P/Col. Eugene Rebadomia, said Oct. 3 that perpetrators often exploit peak hours and busy market crowds to pass off counterfeit money to unsuspecting business owners.
Rebadomia reminded the public to carefully inspect and verify all paper bills, or use money scanners, before completing transactions to avoid financial losses during the festival rush.
“Our intelligence and monitoring are continuous. Hopefully, no one else falls victim because the people of Bacolod already heard that something like this is circulating,” he said.
Meanwhile, the BCPO chief reported a peaceful festival opening Oct. 1, adding they have not confiscated any contraband items across designated festival sites during the first two days of the MassKara revelry.
He added that 200 police officers from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas are set to arrive in the city tomorrow, Oct. 6, and an additional 200 augmentation force on Oct. 9. | TMD
