Over P1.6-M counterfeit cigarettes seized in Batangas
CAMP VICENTE LIM, Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna – Joint operatives on Thursday arrested two suspects and seized P1,601,730.00 worth of counterfeit cigarettes in an entrapment operation in Rosario, Batangas.
Nabbed were alias “Mark” and alias “Ronnie,” both residents of Bgy. Tulos, Rosario, according to a report to Criminal Investigation and Detectiion Group (CIDG) 4A chief Col. Jacinto “Jac” Malinao Jr..
Police said the two suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Rights Code of the Philippines) and RA 10643 (An Act To Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings On Tobacco Products).
Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) – Batangas Provincial Field Unit under Ltc Victor Sobrepena, in collaboration with the Rosario Municipal Police Station and personnel from a cigarette company, launched the sting in Bgy. San Carlos, Rosario town at 11:50 a.m. on Thursday.
The operation was conducted following a complaint from a cigarette company, which reported about the unfair competition and trademark infringement activities of the suspects.
During the operation, authorities confiscated counterfeit cigarettes worth over P1.6-million, a cellular phone and boodle money.
The arrested suspects and the seized products were brought to the CIDG Batangas Provincial Field Unit office for documentation and proper disposition.
Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas commended all the operating units involved in the successful apprehension of the suspects and the confiscation of significant number of counterfeit cigarettes.
“The successful operation is the result of the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in combating intellectual property rights violations and protecting public health,” Lucas said.
He assured the public that PNP–Calabarzon remains committed in dismantling illegal operations and bringing perpetrators to justice.
“We will do our best to place these violators behind bars and make them feel the full gravity of the law,” he added.
