Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio commended the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) for its successful operation in Bulacan, resulting in the seizure of over P5.5 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes and counterfeit goods.
The raid took place at 19 warehouses in Green Miles Compound, Sitio Cabatuhan, Camalig, Meycauayan.
The CIIS-MICP men carried out the operation based on a Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by Rubio on Thursday. Rubio emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of tobacco products in the local market and protecting intellectual property rights (IPR).
The seized copyright infringing items include electronic devices, garments, shoes and toys. “Removing illicit, unsafe, and untested tobacco products from our markets is one of the many functions of the BOC. This safeguards our community and ensures that our consumers only have access to products that underwent rigorous standard testing,” said Rubio.
He also stressed the need to protect products with intellectual property rights, as failing to do so affects the country’s reputation and the legal protection accorded to these companies and brands. CIIS Director Verne Enciso said the LOA was acknowledged by the representative of the warehouses.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Customs chief lauds seizure of P5.5-B smuggled, counterfeit goods in Bulacan”
