PNP seizes nearly P197M worth of counterfeit footwear in Bulacan raid

Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Saturday reported the confiscation of nearly P197 million worth of counterfeit footwear and related items from warehouses in Barangay Inaon, Pulilan, Bulacan.

“This accomplishment shows that the PNP is serious in enforcing the law. Hindi natin pinapabayaang manloko ang publiko o lumabag sa batas—whether local or foreign. Protecting legitimate businesses and the Filipino people is always our priority,” Nartatez said, praising the swift coordination among operating units in what he described as a decisive operation demonstrating the PNP’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and public welfare.

The operation, conducted at around 10:30 a.m., involved personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3, the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, and the Pulilan Municipal Police Station under the Bulacan Police Provincial Office.

Acting on a valid search warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, authorities seized 1,119 boxes of counterfeit footwear valued at P141,024,000; 30 sacks of footwear accessories worth P39 million; one injector machine valued at P2.5 million; and three sets of molding machines worth P14.25 million. The total estimated value of the confiscated items reached P196,774,000.

The suspects, all Chinese nationals, are now under the custody of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3. The seized items were turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper documentation and disposition.

Nartatez underscored the broader significance of the operation, saying such actions go beyond combating fake products and directly address fraud and violations of the law.

“This operation is part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to make the law real and felt in communities—protecting both consumers and businesses, and sending a clear message that illegal activities have no place in a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.