Fake products seized

MANILA, Philippines -  More than P1 billion worth of alleged fake products were seized by agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) during an inspection of four warehouses in Guiguinto, Bulacan on Saturday.

Among the items found during an inspection at the compound of the Richard Isagani Sandy (RIS) 5 Industrial Complex in Barangay Tabe were bottles of shampoo, bath soaps, candies, lubricants, cigarettes, motor oils, used clothing, medicine, insect repellent, deodorants and several machines and equipment.

Neil Estrella, director of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, said the equipment might have been imported legally but used for illegal purposes.

Representatives from the Intellectual Property Manila Associates-Brand Protection Specialist confirmed that the seized products were counterfeit.

The BOC gave the warehouse owners 15 days to present documents for the products. Otherwise the BOC will seize the items and file proper charges against them.