FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday cautioned the public against the use of airline tickets purchased using counterfeit or unauthorized credit cards through PAL’s online-booking facility.

PAL warned the public to transact only with its ticket offices or duly accredited and reputable travel agencies, and enjoined air travelers to be wary of those offering big discounts, especially under the “buy now, pay later” scheme.

PAL issued the advisory after the National Bureau of Investigation uncovered the use of counterfeit credit cards to purchase PAL tickets online.

Earlier, the NBI arrested 19 persons, including 14 “coconspirators” ticket buyers, who now face charges of violating Republic Act 8484, or the Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998.

Investigation disclosed that one of the suspects purchased 14 roundtrip PAL tickets between a provincial point and Manila using forged credit card.

The suspect then sold the tickets to 14 passengers at a big discount, enabling them to travel to Manila on a PAL flight. However, their return tickets were canceled after PAL got wind of the scam.

PAL sought the help of the NBI, which led to the arrest of three prime suspects. They allegedly instigated the fraudulent deal and conspired with two go-betweens and the 14 passengers to defraud PAL of income from the ticket sale.

The law punishes the use or possession of counterfeit credit cards, and even mere possession of an airline ticket bought through such card will mean arrest, fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years for the ticket buyer.

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AN association of taxicab operators filed a petition for an “emergency relief,” or additional P10 for every passenger ride, before the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), claiming that the daily income of taxicab drivers is no longer enough owing to the rising cost of basic commodities.

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday cautioned the public against the use of airline tickets purchased using counterfeit or unauthorized credit cards through PAL’s online-booking facility.

A PLATOON of soldiers killed two New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in an encounter at the boundary of Antique and Iloilo, just hours before Maj. Gen. Victor Ibrado assumed the top Army post in a turnover ceremony in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday.

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday welcomed the Libyan government’s effort to help maintain the cease-fire in Mindanao, but doubts if Libyan peace monitors can lead the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

CITING a BusinessMirror exclusive report that the Philippines is “one of the worst places for mothers,” Sen. Edgardo Angara has asked Congress to conduct an in-depth inquiry into cases of maternal and newborn deaths in order to prevent  further increase in the country’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR).