Halong gid, mga kasimanwa. A classic "budol-budol" scam that recently victimized a market vendor in M'lang, North Cotabato is now triggering fresh warnings across Western Visayas — including here in Estancia, Iloilo.

On June 28, 2025, police in M'lang reported that a 58-year-old woman was approached by two well-dressed strangers near the public market. They showed her a thick bundle of cash — allegedly P20,000 — and claimed they urgently needed help to encash it. To gain her trust, they asked for "collateral." In a rushed, emotional moment, she handed over her gold necklace, earrings, and P3,500 cash.

Minutes later, the strangers were gone. The cash bundle was fake — just paper cuttings with real bills on top and bottom. Her total loss: almost P40,000 worth of jewelry and savings.

Actual Photos from M'lang

Why Estancia Should Care

Estancia is 500 kilometers from M'lang, but we share the same perfect conditions for budol-budol.

Every day before sunrise, our Feeder Port is alive — pump boats unloading bangus, bariles, and pusit. By 6 AM, the Estancia Public Market along the highway is packed: fish vendors shouting prices, nanays buying bugas, students catching vans to Iloilo, and families lining up at remittance centers.

It's busy, cash-heavy, and trusting — exactly where traveling scam groups operate. From CityMall Estancia to the terminal in Brgy. Poblacion Zone 2, budol operators look for one thing: a good Samaritan nga dali matunto. Indi kita magkompyansa.

How Budol-Budol Works

Police call it a "confidence trick" — because it works by earning your confidence first, not by force.

• 1. The Pakitang Pera (Display) They flash a big bundle of cash, jewelry, or a fake check to create excitement and greed.
• 2. The Kaluoy Story "Taga-Cotabato ko, na-hospital bata ko, need ko i-encash." They exploit Ilonggo hospitality and our culture of bulig.
• 3. The Rush "Dali lang, ma-late na ako sa barko." They never give you time to think, call family, or verify.
• 4. The Swap They ask for your alahas or cellphone as "prenda" or guarantee. You give real valuables. They give you worthless paper.
• 5. The Vanish They disappear toward the port, terminal, or ride a van to the next town — Sara, Balasan, or Concepcion.

Recent Warnings for Western Visayas

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) and PNP have issued repeated advisories after budol-budol incidents in Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan in 2024-2025.

"Avoid bringing out large amounts of cash and wearing expensive jewelry in public markets and terminals. Budol-budol suspects specifically target senior citizens and vendors."

— PRO-6 Advisory, via Panay News

"Kung may naga-alok sang kwarta kapalit sang imo alahas, SCAM ina. Wala sang lehitimo nga transaksyon nga naga-require sang stranger nga i-prenda mo imo gamit."

— PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, GMA News

5 Ways to Protect Yourself in Estancia

1. Dress Down sa Banwa. Leave gold necklaces and big earrings at home when you go to the public market, port, or CityMall. Scammers scan for "bling."
2. Never Do Street Money Swaps. No bank, remittance center, or legit person will ask a stranger to hold cash. Indi magpabudol.
3. Mag-upod. Budol gangs avoid pairs or groups. Go to the palengke with a family member, especially for seniors.
4. Slow Down & Verify. If someone rushes you, that's the red flag. Walk to the nearest Barangay Tanod outpost, market office, or Estancia MPS and verify.
5. Document, Don't Confront. Take a discreet photo, note the plate number, clothes, and direction. Report immediately — don't chase alone.