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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Paldo na sana, naging bato pa': 3 Chinese merchants, 3 Filipino cohorts nabbed for sale of P3.5M substandard gadgets in Binondo

'Paldo na sana, naging bato pa': 3 Chinese merchants, 3 Filipino cohorts nabbed for sale of P3.5M substandard gadgets in Binondo

Published Jul 9, 2025 05:00 pm
(Courtesy of PNP-CIDG)
(Courtesy of PNP-CIDG)
Three Chinese merchants and their three Filipino cohorts were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for allegedly selling substandard cellphones and gadgets in Binondo, Manila without clearance from the national government.
In a statement Wednesday, July 9, the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the suspects as alias “Hong”, “Yanchun”, “Zhong”, “Erica”, “Ashley”, and “Annie”.
Personnel of the PNP-CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) raided an establishment along Alvaro Street last July 5 where the suspects were allegedly caught selling and trading gadgets without the required clearance from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The police confiscated from the suspects 37 units of substandard iPhone cellphones and 263 units of poor quality iPad tablets. If sold to the public, the total market value of the gadgets was pegged at P3.5 million, according to the CIDG.
(Courtesy of PNP-CIDG)
(Courtesy of PNP-CIDG)
CIDG acting director Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz underscored the duty of the State to protect the interests of the consumers, promote their general welfare, and establish standards of conduct for business and industry.
“This operation is part of our relentless campaign to protect Filipino consumers from the hazards of substandard and counterfeit electronics, which not only undermine public safety but also violate intellectual property and trade standards,” he said.
The suspects were placed under police custody while charges were prepared for filing for violation of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Memorandum Circular 08-08-2024 which pertains to rules and regulations on the purchase, sale, lease and/or retail of mobile phones, in connection with Republic Act 7925 or the Public Telecommunication in Policy Act of the Philipines and Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

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