NBI confiscates P245-M counterfeit products in NCR, Cagayan de Oro City
More than P245 million worth of counterfeit products have been seized by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during raids conducted against establishments in Metro Manila and in Cagayan de Oro City.
The NBI said the operations were conducted last Feb. 9 and 10 by the bureau’s Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD).
Last Feb. 9, the NBI said that during the service of search warrants, “operatives raided four locations across Manila, Valenzuela, and Quezon City, resulting in the seizure of 22,750 pieces of counterfeit ‘Ultra White Sunscreen’ bearing the ‘HIKARI’ trademark, valued at approximately P3,413,000.”
It also said that on Feb. 10, NBI-IPRD operatives served search warrants against five establishments in Cagayan de Oro City.
“The second operation led to the recovery of a massive haul of high-end counterfeit eyewear, including 9,571 pieces of fake ‘LUXOTTICA/RAYBAN’ and 4,525 pieces of fake ‘OAKLEY’ products, with a total estimated value of ₱242,485,950,” the NBI said.
“Manufacturers of counterfeit goods often disregard consumer safety, using the cheapest substances or chemicals available without regard for potential health hazards,” it warned.
It then urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing fake products “which not only pose risks to personal health but also undermine the country’s economic growth.”