Minors among workers in fake toys warehouse in Bulacan

Authorities found five minors working in a warehouse manufacturing and selling fake toys in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

In an exclusive report by Marisol Abdurahman on GMA’s 24 Oras on Wednesday, the two alleged owners of the warehouse were Chinese. One of them admitted that they were engaged in the making of fake toys.

They were arrested along with a total of 23 workers.

One of the minors told GMA Integrated News that she did not know that they were packing fake toys as she was only working because she had nothing to do in their house.

“Kaya lang po ako nagtrabaho kasi nanakaw cellphone ko. Gusto ko lang pong mag ipon,” the other minor said.

(The reason I was working is because my phone was stolen. I just wanted to save money.)

According to the Criminal Investigation And Detection Group (CIDG) - National Capital Region, the warehouse contained boxes of toy cars. They also confiscated those that were already packed and ready to be delivered across the country.

“Meron po silang online selling,” Police Major Jet Sayno said in an interview. “Umaabot ng Visayas at Mindanao ang mga transactions na nag order ng product nila.”

(They engage in online selling. Their transactions of the orders they receive reach Visayas and Mindanao.)

The legitimate manufacturer said the products stored in the warehouse were just imitations.

The CIDG - NCR also found drinks and makeup products with alleged Chinese characters written on it as well as alleged fake t-shirts of known brands.

“Pag sinakyan ng bata baka mabiyak so mga yung mga pasadong mga materials lang,” Sayno said, warning the dangers of bootleg products.

(The toy car may break if the child rides it so we have to ensure that only approved materials are used.)

The CIDG said they will file charges against the suspects.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News