Police warns public against fake bills used in elections

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Police warned the public of the proliferation of fake bills that might be used in the upcoming elections following Tuesday's arrest of a woman trading with bogus money.

The suspect was identified as Febie Lagudas, a resident of Parañaque, who temporarily lives in Patalon village in this city, City Police Director Senior Supt. Edwin de Ocampo said.

Investigation disclosed that Lagudas was arrested after she tried to purchase at Barter Trade Center in Sta. Cruz Market and the stall owner Jamil Renabor noticed the fake bills.

Police operatives immediately responded and arrested the suspect, who is believed to be three-month pregnant.

The inconsistent statement of the suspect to the probing police authorities even pressed her more in the crime of dealing fake bills.

Recovered from the suspect were 53 pieces of P50-peso fake bills and a P20-peso genuine bill, which Lagudas claimed she used for fare or a total of P2,650.

De Ocampo said they were assessing the circulation of the fake bills, which can be used in the coming election.

“We are looking from the higher perspective since it already happened in the other province that fake bills were used in the election,” De Ocampo said.