A suspected counterfeiter of Philippine peso bills and various documents was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a raid here early Thursday.

CIDG identified the suspect as Edgar dela Cerna, who allegedly also goes by the aliases Robert dela Cerna, Tata, and Egay. He was arrested in a residential area in Barangay Tablon, where he ran his alleged illegal activities.

Confiscated from dela Cerna’s possession were a caliber .38 pistol without a serial number, ammunition, a computer set, computer printers, paper cutters, 129 PHP1,000 bills with different serial numbers, and other pieces of evidence.

Maj. Napoleon Carpio, CIDG-10 deputy regional chief, said dela Cerna is the leader of a group counterfeiting money and other documents.

“We are still validating information that he is connected with other groups,” Carpio said, adding dela Cerna’s associates remain at-large.

Carpio said the suspect is engaged in forging documents and identification cards, as well as “everything that can be illegally reproduced.”

CIDG, however, did not find other fake currencies other than the local bills.

Carpio said dela Cerna had been arrested in 2004 for counterfeiting but managed to post bail.

He said the suspect’s arrest was based on the search warrant issued by a judge based in Gingoog City for violation of articles 166, 168, and 176 of the Revised Penal Code.

Article 166 refers to the “forging treasury or bank notes on other documents payable to bearer; importing, and uttering such false or forged notes and documents.”

Article 168 refers to illegal possession and use of false treasury or banknotes and other instruments of credit, while article 176 is on the manufacturing and possession of instruments or implements for falsification.

Carpio said the suspect will be facing charges relating to counterfeiting as well as illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. (PNA)