QUEZON, Bukidnon — Authorities arrested two men in an entrapment operation after they were allegedly caught attempting to defraud a buyer using counterfeit gold bars in Barangay Poblacion on the afternoon of March 21, 2026.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Jonel,” 29, and “Ronie,” 32, were apprehended by operatives of the Quezon Municipal Police Station (MPS). Police are also tracking down three other individuals believed to be part of the scheme.
According to a police report, the operation stemmed from a complaint filed at around 4:40 p.m. by a victim who reported a suspicious transaction involving the sale of what were believed to be fake gold bars.
Acting swiftly on the report, law enforcement officers organized an entrapment operation led by the town’s chief of police and proceeded to the identified location in Barangay Poblacion.
Upon arrival, authorities spotted the two suspects riding separate motorcycles, allegedly in the process of carrying out the fraudulent deal. The operatives immediately approached them and verified their identities before conducting an inspection.
Recovered from the suspects were two pieces of counterfeit gold bars, two mobile phones believed to have been used in arranging the transaction, and two motorcycles.
The suspects were taken into custody and brought to the Quezon MPS for proper disposition. Charges are currently being prepared against them, while police continue their investigation to identify and locate their accomplices.
Authorities warned the public to remain vigilant against similar scams, particularly those involving high-value items such as gold, and encouraged individuals to immediately report suspicious transactions to the police.