CIDG seizes P43-M electronic products in Bulacan raid
AN estimated P43 million worth of illegally-manufactured economic products were seized by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a raid in Meycauayan City, Bulacan last Wednesday, PNP-CIDG director Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III reported yesterday.
“We have conducted the raid, which also resulted in the arrest of four suspects amid the directive of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil for us to further intensify the fight against all forms of crime, especially those involving economic sabotage that adversely affects the nation’s economy,” the official said.
Under its “Oplan: Megashopper” or their aggressive stance against smuggling and violation of the Intellectual Property Code and Consumer Act of the Philippines, members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, in coordination with the local police, raided the Hot Screen Electric Corporation located at Global Street, Sterling Industrial Park in Bgy. Libtong in Meycauayan City on Wednesday.
The raid was conducted on the strength of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines issued by Judge Ronald Leo Haban of the Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 66.
Arrested during the raid were four men, including the suspected owner of the establishment identified as Chinese national Chi Ho.
Torre said the Meycauayan City operation targeted large-scale illegal manufacturing and distribution of consumer goods, which undermine legitimate business operations and threaten the country’s economy.
“This is in line with the policy of the State to protect the interests of the consumer, promote his general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry,” he explained.
Recovered during the conduct of the search were 3,183 units of assorted brands of Smart TVs, as well as a significant volume of TV assembly, panels, monitors, remote control, back casings, power supplies, speakers, boxes of LED boards and monitors, glass front covers, assorted documents, stickers, assembly tools and other electronic items with an estimated market value of P43,362,000.00.
The arrested suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service with violation of Article 18 (a) of RA 7394 for manufacturing and offering for sale; distributing in commerce; or importing into the Philippines consumer product which is not in conformity with an applicable consumer product quality or safety standard as promulgated by the law of the Philippines.
Torre said that smuggling and unauthorized production of consumer goods not only endanger public welfare but also destabilize the nation’s economic progress.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless and unyielding in going after all criminals and criminal networks who engage in economic sabotage and violate the law of the land, to ensure a level playing field for lawful businesses, protect consumer rights, and safeguard the country’s economy ” the official said.
