Manila: Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized around PHP700 million worth of counterfeit footwear from a Chinese-owned warehouse in Barangay Alapan II-A, Imus City, Cavite, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday. The PNP chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., highlighted that the Chinese owner of the facility remains at large and is facing charges of estafa, in connection with Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was initiated based on verified intelligence reports that the warehouse was utilized for the packaging, storage, and sale of illicit and substandard footwear products. As deputized personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the operating teams executed a mission order and letter of authority to inspect the warehouse.
Gen. Nartatez emphasized the broader implications of counterfeit goods, stating that they not only infringe on intellectual property rights but also harm legitimate businesses, mislead consumers, and promote unlawful enterprises. He vowed that the PNP would persistently pursue those benefiting from such illegal activities and ensure they are brought to justice.
The seized items, which included footwear branded as Adidas, On Cloud, New Balance, Asics, Crocs, Nike, Jordan, Puma, Converse, Skechers, and Louis Vuitton, were handed over to the BOC for documentation and appropriate handling. The estimated value of the goods, based on initial inventory, was approximately PHP700 million.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to the CIDG and partner agencies for their timely intelligence support and effective coordination. In light of this operation, PNP units across the nation have been instructed to enhance intelligence monitoring of suspected smuggling routes, warehouses, distribution hubs, ports, and transport terminals. This directive follows the seizure of PHP628 million worth of smuggled and counterfeit goods in July.
Gen. Nartatez commended the involved police units for the successful seizure and arrest of 656 suspects during 2,927 anti-smuggling operations conducted nationwide from July 1 to 31. These operations targeted smuggling, violations of intellectual property rights, and other illegal trade activities, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive, under the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to intensify efforts against smuggling and economic sabotage.
The PNP chief assured that the agency would continue intelligence-driven operations and strengthen coordination among regional and local police units to prevent criminal groups from relocating their activities. He also urged the public and business sector to assist authorities in identifying and reporting illegal trade activities.
