The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempted theft of confiscated goods in a warehouse in Pasay that led to the arrest of both Filipinos and Chinese nationals.
The warehouse had been sealed and padlocked as part of the BOC's initiative to combat the trade of counterfeit products.
Approximately 67 Filipinos and 10 Chinese nationals were apprehended for tampering with the BOC seal and transporting the confiscated illegal goods. A closed truck van was observed being loaded with the forfeited goods.
The suspects were ordered to cease their operations and will face inquest proceedings.
The Customs chief emphasized the agency's responsibility to ensure the custody of seized items until the legal process is complete.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence assured that all forfeited items were accounted for through on-the-spot verification.
Customs foils pilferage of seized goods in Pasay
At a glance
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempted theft of confiscated goods in a warehouse in Pasay that led to the arrest of both Filipino and Chinese nationals.
Previously, the warehouse had been sealed and padlocked as part of a BOC initiative aimed at combatting the trade of counterfeit products that violated intellectual property rights (IPR).
Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said the operation was augmented by the CIIS-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP).
“We received information from a well-placed asset that there was an ongoing theft in a Pasay warehouse we have previously sealed and padlocked. This warehouse had been subjected previously to a Letter of Authority (LOA),” Enciso said.
Acting on received information, a team from the BOC’s Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) swiftly responded to 112 M. Acosta St., Barangay 77, Pasay City to intervene in illegal activities.
During the operation, approximately 67 Filipinos and 10 Chinese nationals were apprehended for tampering with the BOC seal and transporting the confiscated illegal goods from upper floors to the ground floor.
Additionally, a close truck van was spotted being loaded with the forfeited goods.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the suspects were immediately ordered to cease their operations and would soon face inquest proceedings.
The Customs chief emphasized that this operation highlights the breadth of agency’s responsibilities.
“More than stopping these illegal activities and seizing contraband products, we must also be at the forefront of ensuring that these seized items will remain in our custody until the cases are done and we are instructed by the proper courts on how to go about disposing or liquidating them,” he said.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy assured that all forfeited items were accounted for through a verification conducted on the spot.
“The success of each operation, including seeing them through the legal proceedings, is crucial to the health of the Philippine industry. These operations show the seriousness of our work and send the right message to businesses that want to invest here,” he said.
“It is not lost on us that what we do here has a direct impact on local businesses, local employment, and the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment destination,” Uy added.
This latest operation was coordinated with the Enforcement and Security Service-Quick Reaction Team (ESS-QRT), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau Action Team Against Smuggling (BATAS), Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD), and the local barangay.
Shortly after the operation, BATAS representative and lawyer Katrina Pearl R. Chua arrived at the area.