Photo courtesy of PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
MANILA — A Chinese national and his Filipina employee were arrested after authorities seized more than 80,000 allegedly counterfeit rice sacks from a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The suspects were arrested on Monday during the implementation of a search warrant at the said warehouse, according to the police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The operation was conducted by the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, together with representatives of Goldman Sack Manufacturing Corporation and local police units.
Authorities confiscated 101 bundles containing around 80,800 rice sacks bearing different brands, with an estimated value of P800,000.
The Chinese national, identified as the warehouse operator, and his Filipina employee were allegedly storing, possessing, controlling and trading the sacks without authorization from the trademark owner.
The suspects are set to face charges for alleged violations of Section 168 (Unfair Competition, Rights, Regulation and Remedies) in relation to Section 170 and Section 177 (Copyright or Economic Rights) of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines).
In a statement, CIDG director PMGen. Robert Morico II said the agency remains focused on enforcing intellectual property laws, including those against counterfeiting and trademark infringement.
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