By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized around PHP700 million worth of fake footwear from a Chinese-owned warehouse in Barangay Alapan II-A, Imus City, Cavite, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Chinese owner of the facility remains at large and is facing charges for estafa, in relation to Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
The operation stemmed from validated intelligence information indicating that the warehouse was being used for the packaging, storage and sale of illicit and substandard footwear products.
Acting as deputized personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the operating teams implemented a mission order and letter of authority for the inspection of the warehouse.
“Counterfeit goods do not only violate intellectual property rights — they also undermine legitimate businesses, deceive consumers, and fuel unlawful enterprises. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who profit from these illegal activities and ensure they are held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
All seized items were turned over to the BOC for documentation and proper disposition.
During the inspection, Customs operatives found footwear bearing trademarks such as Adidas, On Cloud, New Balance, Asics, Crocs, Nike, Jordan, Puma, Converse, Skechers and Louis Vuitton. The goods were valued at approximately PHP700 million, based on the initial inventory and valuation.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno thanked the CIDG and partner agencies for their timely intelligence support and close coordination.
Meanwhile, the PNP units nationwide have been directed to intensify intelligence monitoring of suspected smuggling routes, warehouses, distribution hubs, ports and transport terminals following the seizure of PHP628 million worth of smuggled and counterfeit goods in July.
Nartatez hailed all involved police units for the seizure and arrest of 656 suspects during 2,927 anti-smuggling operations conducted nationwide from July 1 to 31.
The operations targeted smuggling, intellectual property violations and other forms of illegal trade in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to intensify the campaign against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
“We will sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen coordination among our regional and local police units so that criminal groups cannot simply transfer their activities to other areas,” Nartatez said.
He also called on the public and the business sector to help authorities identify and report illegal trade activities. (With a report from Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
