THE Philippine National Police yesterday warned the public against the expected proliferation of fake or counterfeit money as the Christmas season fast approaches.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said people should be extra careful with the money they are receiving during transactions at markets and even at malls.
“We should be careful in our transactions when buying items at markets, malls especially during this period,” said Fajardo, adding people should examine the money given to them as change.
Fajardo said people, as much as possible, should avoid shopping during the Christmas rush. “Shop early, avoid too many people (when shopping),” she said.
Fajardo said people should inspect the money they receive and look for the embossed security features, adding authentic bills are rough unlike the fake ones.
Fajardo said returning overseas workers should not go to dubious shops when exchanging foreign currency to avoid the possibility of getting fake money.
She advised people, specifically those engaged in businesses, to acquire ultraviolet light money detectors to avoid being victimized.
“If we have enough budget and you are engaged in business, including money exchange, that’s good. This also applies to the vendors because there are also enterprising individuals who use fake money when buying items,” said Fajardo.
“If we have no time to buy or we don’t have enough budget to buy UV lights equipment, the best option, as the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) said, is to feel, look and tilt (the money you receive). Let us always remember that,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the public should also be vigilant against other crimes during the Christmas season, including theft and robbery which she said are also expected to increase.
She also urged the public to be also extra careful when making online purchases.
“There are also many unscrupulous people there, the cybercriminals,” said Fajardo.
When buying Christmas decor, Fajardo said people should ensure that such items are approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Let us not just buy items on the streets because we’re not sure of their source, the origin of these Christmas décors, especially Christmas lights. Let’s make sure these are approved by DTI to ensure they underwent a process and avoid incidents like fire,” said Fajardo.
With the holidays around the corner, the Department of Health has reminded the public to eat in moderation to curb the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as strokes and diabetes.
Health Undersecretary and officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire issued the appeal, noting that the holiday season is when tables overflow with fat-laden food, as well as drinks.
“We would like to caution the public — we are not saying totally not to eat that — but let us try to eat that in moderation,” Vergeire said.
Vergeire said this is especially true for those who have high-blood pressure, kidney disease, cardiovascular ailments and other diseases, adding eating too much may complicate their health.
Also vulnerable are those with a family history of various diseases.
“We must always remember, it’s not only in eating, or lack of exercise, that we get diseases. If your family has a history of various diseases, you stand to have these diseases when you grow older,” Vergeire said.
She said the reminder is also applicable to those with healthy bodies, especially those who are attending Christmas parties.
“Para sa mga kabataan, alam natin na kaliwa’t-kanan din ang parties, let us try to eat healthy. You start doing it earlier in your lives, mas makakaiwas po kayo sa mga sakit na inaasahan natin mag-develop in the coming years,” Vergeire said.
Aside from eating healthy, she also reminded the public to exercise, adding these are some of the ways to keep one’s health in check without passing up on all the good food during the holidays. —With Ashzel Hachero
