Subic Bay Freeport - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested five people for selling P12-million worth of electronics during an operation in this Freeport on 5 February 2025.
The said operation was under the Oplan Megashopper wherein consumer goods such as electronic devices that were assembled and refurbished inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone are strictly intended for exportation.
The CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 together with CIDG Olongapo City Field Unit implemented a Search Warrant for violation of Article 18 (a) of Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines in Subic Freeport.
The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including four Chinese nationals, and the confiscation of substandard refurbished electronic devices - 2,400 units of laptop computers, and 65 units of assorted mobile phones, with an estimated value of P12,195,000.00.
The arrested Chinese suspects identified as “Yuan” (female), “Liu, Liang , and Xiao” (all male), and “Lori” Filipino, all employees of the company and residents of Olongapo City were caught while in possession and control of electronic devices which are lacking the required dealer clearance from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), rendering the items illegal for trade under consumer protection standards.
The CIDG stated that instead of exporting the products, the suspects allegedly deliberately diverted these to the local market purposely to evade the payment of proper taxes and duties, resulting in big losses to the government, and creating unfair competition that affects legitimate local businesses.
The suspects also have no legal approval and authority from the National Telecommunications Commission to sell the said items in the local market.