PNP: ₱1.9M in substandard gadgets seized from female trader in Zamboanga Sibugay

A 20-year-old female trader was arrested last week for allegedly selling P1.9 million worth of substandard cellular phones, tablets, and laptops in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Field Unit and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) carried out the operation on February 19.

They confiscated 35 assorted cellular phones, 10 tablets, and two laptop computers with an estimated total value of P1.994 million.

The electronic devices were not type-approved by the NTC, making them unauthorized for sale and distribution in the country.

Devices without proper certification may fail to meet safety and technical standards, potentially exposing consumers to risks such as malfunction, poor connectivity, or even electrical hazards, the PNP said.

“When businesses choose to ignore regulations, they put consumers at risk. We will not tolerate that,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez said.

“It is about sending a clear message that the law applies to everyone. At the same time, paalala rin ito sa publiko (a reminder to the public) – be vigilant. Check for the NTC seal and proper certifications before buying gadgets, especially if the price seems too good to be true,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News