As part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) drive against smuggling, the BOC Intelligence Group (IG) Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Intellectual Property Right Division (CIIS-IPRD) and the BOC-Port of Manila (BOC-POM) seized approximately Php1.1 billion worth of counterfeit goods in an operation conducted at Baclaran Wholesale Complex Corner F.B. Harrison and J. Fernando Streets, Baclaran, Pasay City on November 29, 2021.

Armed with a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the implementing team composed of personnel from the IG CIIS-IPRD, BOC-POM, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inspected the warehouses located in Pasay City.

The inspection led to the discovery of possible Intellectual Property Right (IPR)-infringing goods and are suspected smuggled counterfeit goods. Witnessed by BOC examiners, members of the IG CIIS-IPRD, and the AFP, the conduct of initial inventory of goods revealed numerous items bearing the brands: Victoria’s Secret, Birkenstock, Lacoste, Converse, Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Havaianas, Barbie, and HP to name a few.

Further investigation is underway for possible violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293) and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).

The Bureau of Customs will remain resolute in the implementation of its mandate to suppress smuggling in the country and to protect Filipino consumers against possible hazardous counterfeit items.