Money changers or shortchangers?

Two persons, allegedly responsible for shortchanging customers in a money changer shop in Malate, Manila, were apprehended by operatives of the Western Police District (WPD) in an entrapment operation Friday.

The arrest of the suspects was precipitated by a letter of instruction from WPD director Senior Superintendent Pedro Bulaong to the WPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) on the numerous complaints against the RBL Money Changer Shop in Malate, Manila.

Complainants alleged that when they exchanged foreign currencies, the equivalent amount in pesos was always short by several thousand pesos when they count the bills themselves. They said the money changers use sleight of hand to pull off the scam.

A team of policemen was formed for an entrapment operation against the money shop’s personnel. Team leader SPO4 Norberto Murillo prepared and marked two $100 bills and instructed PO2 Ralph Moaje to exchange the dollars at the RBL Money Changer Shop, where other policemen positioned themselves outside waiting for the signal.

At an agreed exchange rate of P10,600 for $200, the transaction was consummated. However, when Moaje counted the bills it only amounted to P6,600, P4,000 short of the agreed amount. After introducing himself as a policeman, Moaje gave the signal for his colleagues to enter the shop.

Arrested were Shirley Rodriguez, 44, and Sofronio Perez, 44, both money changers of RBL. The two are now facing swindling charges.

Bulaong said he would recommend to Manila Mayor Lito Atienza the closure of the money changer shop which not only victimize foreigners but also balikbayans as well. – Nestor Etolle