8 arrested in Isabela for sale of fake dollars

By Vince Jacob A. Visaya

TUMAUINI, Isabela -- Eight people were arrested for selling counterfeit US dollars, other foreign notes and bank certificates in a joint police operation here in Barangay 3 San Mateo on March 23. Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Nieves, Cagayan Valley regional police director, said the arrested were identified as group leader Menerva Roan, 53, of Angono, Rizal; Fe Borromeo, 67, of San Mateo, Rizal; Michelle Quitalib, 63, Monette Baronia, 41, and Pilar Castilleja, of Cauayan City; Rowena De Guzman, 53, of Maria Aurora, Aurora Province; Aji Marquez, 25, of Roxas, Isabela; and Jay Mark Bredico of San Agustin, Isabela.
    Police said operatives were tipped off by villagers, prompting the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Isabela, Tumauini police, special operations team and intelligence members to hatch the entrapment operation.

The group has agreed to sell the counterfeit money for P2 million, alleging that the notes are all original and legal.

Seized were five uncut sheets of $100-bills worth $14,000; a golden US bill worth $1 million; two $100 US dollar bank notes and two other US bank notes; 60 pieces of Zimbabwean bank notes of various denominations; 100 pieces of Iraqi dinars of various denominations; 23 pieces of Vietnam Dong banknotes; 45 various bank notes from Malaysia, China, Yugoslavia, Brazil and other countries; and 12 pieces of HSBC bank deposit certificates worth P57-trillion each; seven caliber .45 handguns; and a Starex van (POD-656) registered to Norma Estavillo of Naguilian, Isabela.

The arrested people were brought to CIDG-Isabela and charged for illegal possession of false treasury or bank notes and other instruments of credit, and firearms.

Ilocos Sur bocap shoots dead tanod

By Eva Visperas

SANTA, Ilocos Sur -- A barangay captain surrendered after he gunned down a watchman who tried to stab him here in Barangay Dammay Monday night.
    Village watchman Nelson Bayya was having an altercation with his brother-in-law when village chief Mariano Umipig Jr. tried to pacify them.
    Witnesses said Bayya tried to stab Umipig but missed, prompting the latter to draw his gun.
    Bayya was declared dead on arrival at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital- Gabriela Silang in Vigan City.