Report fake, defective goods, public urged

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday urged the public to remain vigilant and report defective or counterfeit products sold online.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the statement following the seizure of up to P202 million worth of fake footwear and equipment in separate police operations in Bulacan and Pampanga over the weekend.

Agents of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested three Chinese nationals during the raid in Pulilan, Bulacan, which resulted in the seizure of 1,119 boxes of fake shoes, footwear accessories and molding machines worth P196 million.

A similar operation in San Simon, Pampanga resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national and seizure of counterfeit slippers and a molding machine worth more than P5 million.

Nartatez said the operations were based on complaints filed by online shoppers who said they received defective products.

“The public should check, verify and report counterfeit goods. We are determined to dismantle the entire supply chain of illegal products,” Nartatez said.