After mayor busts gang manufacturing bogus peso bills
MANILA Mayor Isko Moreno has ordered the filing of charges against three persons found to be engaged in the manufacture of counterfeit Philippine currency.
Moreno personally went to check the fake money seized by operatives under the Manila Police District-Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMART) headed by Maj. Jhun Ibay at 11:40 a.m. yesterday.
The mayor thus warned the public to be wary of the P1,000 bills they have, citing the possibility that some of the fake money may have already been circulated.
Nabbed during the raid on 1532 Loyola corner Valencia Streets, Sampaloc, Manila were Paulo Guevara, 35, of 1532 HS Loyola St., Sampaloc, Manila; Francis Tuwalya, 27, of 1045 P Guevarra St. ,Sta Cruz, Manila and Datu Haron Mangudatu, 34, of 2040 Smith St., Singalong , Manila.
Ibay’s team was joined by operatives from the Police Station 4 of QCPD led by Lt. Col. Richard Ian Ang and Station 12 under Lt. Col. Damaso Burgos. They were assisted by representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas led Atty. Rene Mark Fajardo and Atty. Andrew Asprin.
The raid was witnessed by barangay chairman Mariano S. Ponce, of Barangay 460, and barangay chair Clarita Padero, of Barangay 461 Zone 45, who were present when the group of law enforcers implemented the search warrant issued by Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina for violation of Articles 166, 168, and 176 of the Revised Penal Code.
During the implementation of the search warrant, Ibay said they seized tea bags containing suspected marijuana leaves and drug paraphernalia. Hence, the arrested suspects will be separately charged for violation of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act 9165 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Meanwhile, Moreno also urged Manilans to do away with firecrackers as a way of ushering the New Year and instead use their money on more important things like food and vitamins that will help boost immunity.
Also citing the dangers to lives and limbs posed by lighting up firecrackers, Moreno said there are safer ways to celebrate the New Year, stressing it is more important to welcome it in one piece.
