(Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday reported the seizure of counterfeit products worth PHP15 million in a private warehouse in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
Armed with a letter of authority (LOA) signed by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the team composed of Manila International Container Port’s (MICP) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inspected the warehouse located in Barangay Pajo on Dec. 10.
In a statement, MICP District Collector Romeo Allan Rosales said the group discovered suspected fake products such as bags and other food items stored inside the warehouse.
Also, the group found out that the facility was storing imported alcoholic beverages.
The warehouse has been sealed and placed under customs custody as further inventory and investigation conducted.
Individuals involved may face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as related Intellectual Property Laws (IPL) for importing counterfeit products.
Rosales, meanwhile, warned erring importers to refrain from importing fake and counterfeit goods.
He also discouraged the public from patronizing fake goods especially those which are sold for human consumption such as food items and body products, as these may have harmful effects on the body.
The MICP, the country’s largest port, through its intelligence and enforcement team, expressed commitment to curbing smuggling and the entry of counterfeit goods in line with the Commissioner’s drive to strengthen the country’s border protection. (PNA)
