NBI seizes computers, pirated software from Mandaluyong shop

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized 47 units of desktop computers and nine compact disks containing unauthorized copies of Microsoft and Symantec software in a raid in Mandaluyong City, the bureau reported Friday. The agents swooped down on the Decision Support Systems Inc. located on the second floor at 197 –B EDSA, Mandaluyong City. The NBI said the seized equipment is worth P4.3 million. Lawyer Jose Justo Yap, chief of NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), said the raid stemmed from a complaint from Business Software Alliance for Microsoft Corporation and Symantec Corporation. Special Investigator Isagani G. Illescas Jr. said the surveillance and test buys confirmed the complaint and the NBI organized an operation. Armed with search warrants issued by Judge Felixberto T. Olalia Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 8, the agents raided the shop last Thursday. The owners and proprietors are facing charges of violation of RA 8293 otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, the NBI said. -GMANews.TV