Charges filed vs 3 men, woman for fake dollars

Three men and a woman were charged before the Manila Regional Trial Court yesterday who were arrested about five months ago for possession and use of counterfeit dollars.

Alex Panomblayan, 63, and Melody Panomblayan, 25, both residents of 703-645 Carlos Palanca St., San Miguel, Quiapo, Manila; together with Romeo Makuha, 65, of 215 Panorama St., Binondo, Manila; and Federico Flores, 62, a resident of 730 Interior 5, Del Pan, Binondo, Manila; were charged with violation of Article 168 (3) (or illegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit) in relation to Article 166 (3) (forging treasury or bank notes or other documents payable to bearer, importing and uttering such false or forged notes and documents) of the Revised Penal Code.

 Assistant Prosecutor Anne Geraldine Agar, who filed the information in court, set bail at P16,000 each for those charged.

Court records said the Special Branch of the National Capital Region Police Office at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City received information in June regarding proliferation and sale of fake US dollars in Sta. Cruz, Manila. The NCRPO Special Branch then coordinated with the Manila Police District in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila , and set up an entrapment operation in the vicinity of the Sta. Cruz Church on June 11.

Reports said Makuha and Flores approached the designated police poseur-buyer and an informant upon learning that they were interested to buy US dollars.

After firming up the negotiations, Makuha and Flores brought the two men to the Panomblayans who were stationed near the church allegedly waiting for prospective buyers.

Members of the entrapment team then arrested the four accused after Melody handed to Makuha and Flores five fake $100 bills.    – Sandy Araneta