₱216M in counterfeit footwear found in Pampanga warehouse

Authorities recently seized over P216 million in fake branded footwear from a warehouse in Apalit, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.

In a statement, the PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Pampanga Provincial Field Unit implemented a search warrant at a production warehouse in Apalit on February 26.

The search warrant was issued for alleged violations of Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

Authorities confiscated 181 boxes of counterfeit rubber footwear, 30 sacks of rubber resin raw materials, four sets of heavy machinery intended for footwear reproduction, and business documents.

The seized items were worth P216.305 million.

The female suspect indicated in the search warrant was not present during the implementation of the search warrant. Authorities are conducting follow-up operations to apprehend here.

The PNP added that the confiscated items were subjected to an inventory on-site and are set for proper disposal through an accredited waste company.

“Hindi tayo papayag na lokohin ang publiko (We will not let the public be fooled). Counterfeit products do not only harm legitimate businesses, they also put consumers at risk,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa mga ilegal na gawain (We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal activities). We will protect both consumers and legitimate enterprises. Ang batas ay batas (The law is the law) – and we will enforce it fairly, firmly, and professionally,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News