By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday inspected counterfeit goods seized in April at a warehouse in Valenzuela City worth PHP841 million.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the goods were seized during an operation stemmed from derogatory information regarding the alleged storage of illicit goods in a warehouse in Valenzuela.
Upon receipt of the intelligence report, an enforcement team led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service conducted surveillance and on-site validation.
Armed with a Letter of Authority, the joint operatives proceeded to the subject warehouse on April 10, 2026, leading to the discovery of suspected infringing goods.
Based on the official inventory, a total of 1,460 boxes of perfumes and 364 boxes of lotions bearing markings of various international brands, including Jo Malone, Versace, and Cetaphil, among others, were found.
Possible violations include Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines,” particularly Section 118 (F) on infringing goods as defined under the Intellectual Property Code and related laws, and Section 1113 on property subject to seizure and forfeiture, in relation to Section 1400 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The warehouse was sealed and secured by customs personnel with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard, for further investigation.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued on April 28, 2026.
The BOC then warned those behind these illegal operations to stop, as the Bureau is serious in stopping these illicit activities upon the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“Smugglers should stop their illegal work, illegal business because our government is very strict, especially now that President Bongbong Marcio has ordered us to focus on the smuggling that is happening. Because when there is smuggling, the Bureau of Customs’ collections decrease and the funds that would have been collected would be used for the country’s programs, and to help the people,” he said in an interview.
The BOC head emphasized the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations in identifying and neutralizing illicit trade activities and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to sustained border protection and proactive enforcement against smuggling and related violations. (PNA)
