The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday reported the seizure of nearly P197 million worth of counterfeit footwear and related items from warehouses in Barangay Inaon, Pulilan, Bulacan.

PNP acting chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation was carried out at around 10:30 a.m. by personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3, CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, and Pulilan Municipal Police Station under the Bulacan Police Provincial Office.

Authorities served a search warrant for alleged violations of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. 

Seized were 1,119 boxes of counterfeit footwear valued at P141,024,000; 30 sacks of footwear accessories worth P39,000,000; one injector machine valued at P2,500,000; and three sets of molding machines worth P14,250,000, for a total estimated value of P196,774,000.

“This accomplishment shows that the PNP is serious in enforcing the law. Protecting legitimate businesses and the Filipino people is always our priority,” Nartatez said.

The suspects, who are all Chinese nationals, were taken into custody by CIDG RFU 3. The seized items were turned over to the proper authorities for disposition.