| By MONTESA GRIÑO-CAOYONAN |

Cockfighting enthusiasts, particularly of the much-awaited Candelaria Derby, are told to be vigilant against the proliferation of counterfeit money that might circulate in derby arenas.

Iloilo City Police Office warned the public against possible circulation of fake money inside the Jaro Coliseum following several incidents recorded in previous years.

To note, cockfighting is part of the week-long celebration of Jaro Patronal Fiesta in honor of Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria this February 2. The renowned-Candelaria Derby is noted for attracting cockfighting aficionados all over the country and some parts of the globe such as United States and Australia.

ICPO Director Marietto Valerio said fake money are used as bets and could not be easily detected by “kristos” or bet-takers because the placing of bets is done in a very fast mode.

“Usually, it was only detected after the game when winners are counting their money,” he said.

As of press time, the ICPO has not yet received any report of fake money in circulation especially in Jaro District area except for a P500 bill which was turned over to them by a businessman in city proper last month.

In 2010, several fake money bills were recovered from alleged Basag Kotse group leader Jade Cariño, 29, of General Santos City inside Jaro Coliseum. Recovered from his possession were one P1, 000 bill with serial number GH 53144 and P100 fake bill bearing serial number BL 48123.

According to ICPO, October of 2006, some counterfeit P10 peso coins were circulating in this city. A total of P29, 500 worth of fake P10 coins were confiscated at the Jaro Coliseum.

Reportedly, the Small Time Lottery (STL) also got some of the fake ones.

Mostly, fake coins are rough in texture unlike genuine coins which are smooth. Genuine P10 coins are made of copper, nickel, aluminum and zinc while fake ones are made of steel.*