Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday said the PNP's intensified campaign against economic crimes led to the seizure of counterfeit footwear worth an estimated P700 million from a Chinese-owned warehouse in Barangay Alapan II-A, Imus City, Cavite, on 3 August 2026.

Nartatez said the Chinese owner of the facility remains at large and is facing charges of estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

He said the operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cavite Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other law enforcement agencies.

Acting as deputized personnel of the BOC, the operating teams implemented a Mission Order and a Letter of Authority authorizing the inspection of the warehouse.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit footwear bearing the trademarks of globally recognized brands, with an initial estimated market value of approximately P700 million.

Authorities said the operation stemmed from validated intelligence information indicating that the warehouse was being used for the packaging, storage, and sale of counterfeit and substandard footwear.

All seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for documentation and proper disposition.

"Counterfeit goods do not only violate intellectual property rights—they also undermine legitimate businesses, deceive consumers, and fuel unlawful enterprises. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who profit from these illegal activities and ensure they are held accountable under the law," Nartatez said.

"Hindi natin palalagpasin ang mga taong kumikita sa panlilinlang sa ating mga mamamayan. Walang puwang ang ganitong uri ng ilegal na gawain sa ating lipunan," he added.

Nartatez said the accomplishment reflects the PNP's Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation that strengthens the organization's capability to address evolving criminal activities through intelligence-driven operations.

Anchored on the priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP remains committed to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses by disrupting illegal commercial activities.

"As the PNP strengthens its campaign against counterfeit goods and other forms of economic crimes under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of a 'Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,'" Nartatez said.