DAVAO CITY — A man and woman posing as sellers of gold were arrested in an entrapment operation conducted by personnel of the Marilog Police Station 12 after allegedly attempting to sell a fake gold bar in Marilog District on Tuesday afternoon, May 19, 2026.
The suspects were identified by police only through their aliases “Janeth,” 29, and “Jarel,” 36, both farmers and residents of Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.
According to police reports, the operation was carried out at around 5:00 p.m. in Purok 08, Barangay Buda, following information that the suspects were allegedly engaged in fraudulent transactions involving counterfeit gold bars.
Authorities said the two were caught during the entrapment operation after allegedly selling a fake gold bar to an undercover operative.
Aside from the counterfeit gold item, operatives also reportedly recovered two sachets containing suspected shabu during the arrest. Police likewise confiscated the motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects in their transactions.
Investigators are now looking into whether the suspects are part of a larger syndicate targeting buyers through fake gold scams, a scheme that has victimized several individuals in different parts of Mindanao in recent years.
The arrested suspects are currently under the custody of Marilog Police Station 12 while authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges.
Police said the suspects may face charges for estafa in connection with the alleged fake gold transaction, as well as violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 over the confiscated suspected illegal drugs.
Authorities reiterated their warning to the public to remain cautious when dealing in high-value items such as gold and jewelry, especially in informal transactions conducted outside legitimate establishments.