PNP, NCIPR destroy P80M worth of fake goods

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) on Friday led the destruction of counterfeit and pirated goods valued at P80.2 million in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday. 

PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines Deputy Director-General Teodoro Pascua were present when the counterfeit items were destroyed.

The counterfeit goods including luxury bags, shoes, food seasoning, soap, lotion, and high-value watches were flattened by tractor rollers.

More or less P80 million worth of counterfeit items and pirated goods were destroyed in Camp Crame, Friday morning. | @annafelicia_ pic.twitter.com/OnVIIIXGUA

— GMA News (@gmanews) October 18, 2019

Pascua noted today’s unfortunate reality where counterfeiters aggressively use technology, digital platforms as well as online intermediaries to “sell counterfeit products and flourish in their enterprise.”

“The internet has created enormous opportunities for companies to promote and market their brands to consumers. However, its global reach, openness and largely unregulated character have also created an avenue for the trade and distribution of fake products,” Pascua said.

The total amount included more than P58 million of counterfeit watches, branded bags, lotions and skin care products.

Also destroyed were 50 sacks of pirated DVDs valued at P7 million.

Fake pharmaceutical products amounting to P1.1 million were also list among the items destroyed.

Pascua said the significant increase in the amount of counterfeit goods seized in the Philippines could be attributed to the persistent efforts, commitment and cooperation of the NCIPR member agencies,.

In January to July, the NCIPR prevented P13.73 billion worth of counterfeit goods from getting into the hands of consumers. —VDS, GMA News