By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed fake shoes, six Rolex wristwatches, and soaps worth PHP1.80 million in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.
The destruction of the counterfeit goods marked the celebration of the National Intellectual Property Rights Month.
According to the statement issued by the BOC on Saturday, the items were among counterfeit products seized from various areas and ports as a result of the continuing efforts of the Bureau to secure the country’s borders.
The six fake Rolex watches came from Thailand that were seized by the BOC Port of Clark last Feb. 5, 2018. The items were found inside the luggage of an arriving passenger that was subjected to physical examination to verify the X-ray images.
Meanwhile, the assorted fake shoes and soaps came from the operation conducted by the operatives, mainly composed of personnel from the Intellectual Property Rights Division, under the Intelligence Group in Sucat, Paranaque City on Jan. 29, 2019.
Other goods destroyed were fake cigarettes, bags, wallets, phones, phone accessories, shirts, belts, as well as CDs and money chips, among others confiscated by other apprehending agencies.
The importation of fake goods is prohibited under Republic Act No. 8293, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines”.
Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero vowed to secure the country’s border and protect local buyers against counterfeit products.
“The BOC will remain steadfast in securing our borders and in protecting the local consumers against fake and hazardous goods,” he said in a statement.
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