P140 million worth of pirated DVDs, CDs seized
Personnel of Optical Media Board (OMB) have confiscated P140 million worth of pirated CDs and DVDs in this morning's raid at Vision Theater along Colon St., in Cebu City. Aldo Nelbert Banaynal
CEBU, Philippines — At least P140 million worth of assorted pirated digital video discs (DVD) and video compact discs (VCD) were confiscated by the operatives of Optical Media Board (OMB) in a joint operation with Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) at the old Vision Theater on Colon St., Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City.
OMB Chief Legal Officer Cyrus Paul Velenzuela said that yesterday morning’s raid yielded a total of 1,000 sacks of assorted DVDs and CDs.
They also confiscated several DVD burning towers and DVD writers used in reproducing pirated DVDs.
Velenzuela said this is the second operation that they launched against the stalls in the establishment.
It can be recalled that last month, the OMB raided the establishment and confiscated almost P60 million worth of pirated DVDs.
During that raid three operatives of OMB were injured after the stall owners went aggressive.
“Last time, we couldn’t complete it dahil nagkaroon ng gulo and this time, we come a lot more prepared. Humingi tayo ng augmentation sa PNP sa pag-secure ng area,” said Velenzuela.
CCPO sent almost 100 police personnel to help them secure the area. Velenzuela said the successful raid against at least 14 stalls will bring a big impact in eradicating piracy in Cebu as the subject stalls have enough supplies for the whole city.
“Kasi dito, iyung iba kasi ay retailer but other than that ay sila na rin ang manufacturer. Ang likuran nila may mga burning towers, sila na ang nag-reproduce ng sarili nilang DVDs. I believe itong area nato can supply the entire City,” Velenzuela said.
He also said that like in previous operation, stall owners were quick to notice their presence and immediately closed their stores and scampered away.
“When we got here ay sarado, so we had to open. Wala ngang mga nagtitinda. Siguro ay nakita kami from the corner, nagtakbuhan na at sinarado ang main entrance nila,” he said.
One owner who returned to his store because he left his cellphone was arrested by the OMB operatives. MBG (FREEMAN)
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