Ex-Army man held for fake P1,000 bills

MANILA, Philippines — A former Philippine Army man was arrested Friday for allegedly using a fake P1,000 bill to buy cigarettes at a store in Taguig City on Friday.

The store cashier found the bill used by security guard Kevin John Soncio, 30, was fake as it had the same serial number as another fake bill he received on July 30, according to the Southern Police District (SPD).

The cashier reported Soncio to the police, which resulted in his arrest.

Seized from the suspect were nine fake P1,000 bills and 10 different identification cards.

Police said the suspect had introduced himself as a member of the Philippine Army but it was later learned that he had been dismissed from service and the government identification card he presented was fake.

The SPD said Soncio will face charges of illegal possession and use of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit as well as usurpation of authority.

The Taguig police is preparing a request for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to verify the bills confiscated from Soncio.

SPD director Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano reminded the public, particularly store-owners, to be more vigilant against counterfeit bills.