The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) seized one (1) container of counterfeit goods declared as “Garments (Trousers)” from Bangladesh with an appraised value of PhP 48.9 million at the Sub-Port of Mindanao Container Terminal, Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental on February 24.

District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) against the shipment after receiving an intelligence report for possible violation of R.A. 8293 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines in relation to Section 118 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

During the examination by the assigned customs examiner and witnessed by the representatives of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI), it was revealed that the shipment contained 288 cartons of pants branded as “Zara” and 342 cartons of shirts branded as “Guess.”

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) has been issued against the subject shipment for violation of R.A. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, continues to intensify its operation against counterfeit and infringing goods.

“These counterfeit products do not have the required documentation, and they endanger the safety of those who use them,” says Commissioner Rubio.

He also encourages the public against purchasing or supporting these goods.#