The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have lodged severe criminal complaints against six individuals recently apprehended for the deliberate and malicious destruction of Philippine coins.
The culprits were caught in meticulously planned entrapment operations executed by the BSP and the PNP in Siquijor and Boracay, Aklan.
The BSP’s Payments and Currency Investigation Group (PCIG) and PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) pursued and filed the charges with determination before the Siquijor Provincial and Aklan Provincial Prosecutor’s Offices, respectively.
Among the offenders is an individual identified as “Jess,” who became infamous on social media for willfully destroying a 10-Piso coin and transforming it into a ring in Siquijor. Another culprit was captured engaging in the same illegal activity in Boracay.
In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 247, the intentional defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning, or destruction of Philippine banknotes and coins is an unlawful act, punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine not exceeding P20,000.00.
The BSP strongly reminds the public to treat all Philippine banknotes and coins with the utmost respect and dignity, safeguarding their integrity as integral parts of the nation’s rich culture and heritage.
