Over P28 million worth of alleged counterfeit products of “Puma” and “Monster” brands have been seized by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila and Bulacan.

In a statement on Friday, Dec. 5, the NBI said the “counterfeit” products were seized by its Fraud and Financial Crimes Division (NBI-FFCD) during the implementation of multiple search warrants last Nov. 21 and 24.

The search warrants were secured based on complaints filed by the representatives of the brands “Monster” and “Puma” against the proliferation and distribution of fake products bearing their trademarks.

“The service of the search warrants resulted in the seizure of 3,017 pieces of assorted products bearing the ‘Monster’ trademark and 7,324 pieces bearing the ‘Puma’ trademark, with a total estimated value of P28,671,700,” the NBI said.

Searched were five stores in Manila and one warehouse in Balagtas, Bulacan, it also said.

It said the owners of the searched establishments will be charged with trademark infringement in violation of Section 115 in relation to Section 170 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The NBI reminded the public from purchasing counterfeit products. “Entities that produce these counterfeit goods are not concerned about the safety of their products for consumers and likely use substances or chemicals with the cheapest value, regardless of their potential risk to the human body,” it warned.

Also, the NBI said that “patronizing counterfeit goods harms our country’s economic growth.”