By Betheena Kae Unite Over 100 boxes of fake cigarettes aimed for distribution outside Metro Manila were uncovered during a raid in a warehouse in Tondo, Manila. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapena inspects seized fake cigarettes and other computer gadgets worth P55 million in a warehouse at 1515 Antonio Rivera street in Tondo Manila (Photo by Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN) Approximately 120 boxes of fake cigarettes were found when agents from the Customs Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) raided the warehouse located at 1515 Antonio Rivera Street, Tondo Monday, three days after continuous surveillance, According to ESS Chief Yogi Ruiz. Found inside the boxes were various fake versions of Marlboro, Jackpot, More, Belmont, Fortune, and Two Moon. Brand owner representatives identified the cigarettes as fake upon examination. “This is for distribution in the provinces. They distribute it outside Metro Manila,” Ruiz said. Further, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapena said a tip from a brand owner reached the bureau two weeks ago that fake cigarettes and other electronic goods were stored in a warehouse in Tondo. A letter of authority was later issued by the commissioner to allow the raid on the warehouse. The warehouse was allegedly owned by certain Sonny Kho and Tito Yao. However, they were not present during the raid except for the warehouse administrator, who was identified by authorities as Reggy Tan. The goods will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, and other pertinent provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Lapena said. Meanwhile, 300 boxes of blank DVDs, assorted cellphone chargers and accessories, and three DVD replicating machines were also found inside the warehouse. According to ESS, the three DVD replicating machines are estimated to have a market value of more or less P45 million while the fake cigarettes and other merchandise goods are estimated to be worth P10 million.