ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group here has seized several fake gold bars and counterfeit bank notes in separate entrapment operations in Misamis Oriental.
CIDG-10 director police Col. Cholijun Caduyac disclosed that the group behind the proliferation of fake gold and bank notes was identified as the Doc Crime Group.
Operatives from the CIDG conducted two entrapment operations in Tuboran 1-A, Barangay Poblacion 1, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental and another at Farm View Inn, Zone 3, Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.
The operations have led to the arrest of the Doc Crime Group leader and five of his followers, and the seizure of several sizes of fake gold bars and fake banknotes.
According to Caduyac, the group is reportedly operating in the Provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro City.
Caduyac identified the arrested gang leader as Eglesirio Quijano alias Datu, of Sitio Nanahon, Barangay Patpat in Malitbog, Bukidnon.
His cohorts were identified as Aurelio Adanza of Purok 8, Barangay San Juan, Surigao City; Pablo Rayon of Sitio Sawiki, Patpat, Malitbog, Bukidnon; Alfredo Allego of Purok 8, Barangay Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Aguileo Cabaltes alias Loloy of Purok 4, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.
Seized from the suspects' possession were one fake whole gold bar, three pieces ½ in sizes fake gold bars and two pieces ¼ in sizes fake gold bars. Also seized were 280 pieces of fake P1,000 bills and 80 pieces of fake P500 bills in various serial numbers.
CIDG agents also recovered a lead ball believed to be used in the making of fake gold bars, a black backpack, a Rusi and Yamaha Mio motorcycles, and the two pieces of P500 buy-bust marked money.
Caduyac said the entrapment operations were done in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Payments and Currency Investigation Group, which also joined them in the conduct of the entrapment operation.
He added that the group is engaged in the making, trading and distribution of counterfeit money and fake gold bars.
