ILOILO City — With Dinagyang Festival expected to trigger a surge in cash transactions, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has issued an early warning to the public and business owners following reports of counterfeit P1,000 bills circulating during the recent Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
ICPO officer-in-charge Director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla said festivals are prime targets for counterfeiters because of the high volume of cash changing hands.
“For the public, not only those in the business sector but everyone, they should be watchful and mindful of the possible circulation of fake money,” Parilla said. “Usually, fake bills come out during festivities. Not only during elections, but also during festivals. So businesses should double-check and be extra careful, especially with P1,000 bills.”
Parilla explained that counterfeiters favor the P1,000 denomination because it provides higher returns.
“Fake money is usually in the P1,000 denomination because they lose money if they use P500 or P100,” he said. “One of their strategies is to buy something worth only P50 or P100, then pay with a P1,000 bill. What they get back is around P800 to P900.”
He said vendors should immediately be suspicious when large bills are used for very small purchases.
“That’s already a red flag,” Parilla said. “If someone pays P1,000 for a P50 item, that should already serve as a warning to our public.”
The advisory follows complaints from merchants and sari-sari store owners in Batan, Aklan, who reported being victimized by individuals using counterfeit P1,000 bills during the Ati-Atihan festival season. Police reports said the suspects allegedly used a motorcycle to move from one establishment to another.
Local authorities, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), are now investigating the incidents.
With Dinagyang 2026 expected to draw massive crowds and brisk cash sales, authorities urged vendors, market stall owners, and business establishments in Iloilo City to heighten precautionary measures.
The BSP also reiterated its “Feel, Look, Tilt” method to help the public detect counterfeit banknotes.
For paper P1,000 bills, the BSP advises the public to feel for firmness and raised ink, look for the watermark and security thread against the light, and tilt the note to check for color-shifting features.
For polymer P1,000 bills, the public is advised to feel the smooth but firm texture, look for the detailed metallic portrait in the transparent window, and tilt the note to see color changes or movement in the “1000” mark and metallic elements.
Parilla stressed that public cooperation and early awareness are crucial to preventing similar incidents during Dinagyang.
“Being alert and cautious can help protect businesses and consumers from losses,” he said. “We are reminding everyone now so that we can avoid these incidents once the Dinagyang celebrations begin.”/PN
