By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized P152 million worth of counterfeit footwear products in Pampanga on Saturday.
The CIDG Pampanga Field Unit and local police, in coordination with the counsels of the footwear company, served search warrants on “Chongjian,” a Chinese national operating a counterfeit production ring under the name Apexel in Global Aseana Park 2 in San Simon town.
The Chinese national was not found.
In a report Sunday, the CIDG said the search warrants were issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24 for violations of the Intellectual Property Code.
The CIDG operation seized over 45,000 pairs of counterfeit footwear bearing the trademark “Crocs,” molding plates, raw materials, machinery, sales invoices, and order slips.
All confiscated pieces of evidence have been turned over to the Crocs representatives for safekeeping pending the clarificatory hearing scheduled Feb. 26, 2025.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the operation was in line with government efforts to combat economic sabotage, particularly smuggling.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of businesses and consumers. Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate enterprises but also pose significant risks to public safety,” Marbil said in a news release.