Photo courtesy of BOC
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday said its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Manila International Container Port operatives uncovered some P7.37 billion worth of counterfeit underwear, hardware, household items, kitchenware and appliances in simultaneous operations in Caloocan City and Bocaue, Bulacan last March 20.
CIIS Director Verne Enciso disclosed that 3,500 bales of infringed underwear and socks of popular brands brands and worth an estimated P4.3 billion were discovered in a compound in Caloocan City.
Another P70 million worth of women’s sandals, speakers, food products, industrial pipe fittings, and sanitary kitchen wares were also uncovered in the same area.
“The goods we found in Caloocan City operation are also drivers of our local market, but without the proper taxes paid and the required safety inspection, the health of our sellers and consumers are put at risk. Not to mention, having these infringed goods on our shelves put into question our commitment to IP (intellectual property) rights,” Enciso said.
In Bocaue, Enciso revealed that an estimated P3 billion worth of counterfeit items, such as kitchenware, liquid detergents, playing cards, hardware materials, appliances, clothing apparel, toys, computer accessories, gadgets, cosmetics, school supplies, mosquito coils, and swimming vests, among many others were also discovered.
The warehouses are now padlocked pending the inventory of goods, Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said.
He added that Custom authorities will require the owner of the goods to present importation documents or proof of payment.
“If found without proper documents, the corresponding seizure and forfeiture proceedings will be conducted against the subject shipments for violation of Sec. 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) in relation to Sec. 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of Republic Act No. 10863 known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA),” the BOC said.