The Bureau of Customs has discovered fake items that were allegedly smuggled into the country during an inspection in a warehouse in Binondo, Manila.
Among the items found were Dior Facemasks, Jeep Caps, Hello Kitty Pajamas and Baseus Electronics. The items were confirmed to fake which is in violation of the Intellectual Property Rights.
The operation was carried out by operatives from the BOC- Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) based on the Letter of Authority issued by Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
“Our message is that if hindi man sa loob mahuli, sa labas hahabulin namin ang mga ganitong activities (If we don’t catch them inside, we’ll make sure that even outside, we’ll do that on these kind of activities),” said BOC Spokesperson Jet Moranilla in a phone interview with Manila Bulletin.
“Sabi ko nga kung may makita na illegal activities (As I’ve said, if there they see illegal activities), inform the BOC and the bureau will act on it," he added.
The inspection conducted by the BOC-MICP, NBI and PCG has been suspended since the unit owner or representative was not present when the LOA was presented, but several units were temporarily sealed with 8484 markings.
However, the bureau will conduct a full inventory on the goods found inside the warehouse by BOC customs examiner, to be witnessed by CIIS MICP, the PCG, and representatives of the warehouse.
The items shall be subjected to seizure and forfeiture for violation of Section 118 in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.