An estimated P38.9 million worth of "fake Oakley and Ray-Ban products" have been seized by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) from several establishments in Manila and Pampanga.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 9, the NBI said the "fake products" were seized during the enforcement of 17 search warrants last August 2 and 4 for violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 8293, the Intellectual Property Code.
It said "the implementation of the Search Warrants stemmed from the complaint of Quisumbing Torres Law Office on behalf of their clients regarding the rampant distribution of counterfeit Oakley and Ray-Ban products in the country."
“Acting on the complaint, NBI-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) conducted verification and surveillance, which confirmed the veracity of the information,” it added.
After having verified the distribution of "fake Oakley and Ray-Ban products," the bureau said “NBI-NCR immediately applied for Search Warrants against the subject establishments, which were granted by the court.”
It said that last August 2, "the NBI-NCR implemented eleven (11) Search Warrants against the establishments in Angeles City, Pampanga identified as: Fabiano MNL Trading, Two Six Eight Shoppers Mart, Happy Go Shopping Center; and two (2) establishments in San Fernando, Pampanga identified as: GT7 Go Shoppe Department Store, and Save Star, which resulted in the seizure of fake eyewear and bags bearing the trademark of Oakley and Ray-Ban worth P15,945,858.”
"Six (6) Search Warrants were implemented on August 4 against Tick Tock Watch Store and two(2) stores of DMF Fashion and Accessories Shop all located in 168 Shopping Mall, Binondo, Manila, which also resulted in the seizure of fake Oakley and Ray-Ban products worth P22,978,320,” it also said.