NBI seizes P4.7-M counterfeit goods, substandard products

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents seized P4.7 million worth of counterfeit goods, substandard products, and manufacturing equipment during enforcement operations across Metro Manila and Iloilo, officials announced Tuesday.

NBI director Melvin Matibag said the agency’s Intellectual Property Rights Division carried out targeted raids on 8, 14 and 15 September following reports from brand representatives and consumer protection agencies.

The initial raid on 8 September targeted an illicit liquefied petroleum gas refilling scheme, where agents confiscated 13 cylinder tanks bearing fraudulent “Island Gas” and “M-Gas” trademarks, 18 refilling scales, an LPG compressor, and administrative devices valued at P2 million.

Follow-up operations on 14 September in Manila and Quezon City resulted in the seizure of 1,018 counterfeit Aquaflask bottles valued at P1.21 million from several retail establishments.

On 15 September, agents raided four locations in Iloilo City, seizing 742 substandard galvanized iron pipes worth P1.48 million.

Matibag warned consumers against buying counterfeit and sub-standard merchandise, noting that unverified gas cylinders and substandard building materials pose severe safety hazards.

The NBI is preparing criminal charges against the store owners and operators.

Businesses involved in selling fake merchandise face charges of trademark infringement and violations of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, while vendors of sub-standard building materials face prosecution under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.