THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated over P15.8 billion worth of counterfeit bags, clothes, and accessories in Divisoria, Manila, marking its latest operation targeting intellectual property rights violations.
Government operatives found more than 1.7 million fake items bearing the trademarks of brands such as Guess, Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch, the BOC said yesterday.
The seizure was made during a series of warehouse inspections conducted on May 23 by the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service -Intellectual Property Rights Division (CIIS-IPRD), in coordination with representatives from global fashion brand Guess.
Legal counsel for Guess Philippines Kristian Nico Acosta said the raided sites had long been on the brand’s internal watchlist and were linked to online and physical distribution of counterfeit goods.
“I’ve been doing enforcement, especially with the Bureau of Customs, for more than a decade, and under the leadership of Commissioner Rubio, we saw dynamic developments, which involve the utilization of technological tools in pinpointing and tracking counterfeiters, in collaborating with brand owners, and most importantly, a simplified process in prosecuting counterfeiters and illegal importers of counterfeit goods,” Acosta said, as cited by the BOC.
He also warned the public about the dangers posed by counterfeit products, including health and safety risks, and their damaging impact on legitimate businesses and fair market competition.
Acosta also credited the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy of the BOC Intelligence Group for introducing streamlined enforcement procedures and greater transparency in anti-counterfeiting operations.
“The BOC-IPRD’s efficient, tech-driven processes and collaborative spirit with brand owners like Guess show how the government and private sector can work hand-in-hand to protect consumers and promote fair competition,” he said.
Following the seizure, Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reiterated their commitment to combat smuggling and protect intellectual property.
“We are serious about our mission to keep counterfeit goods out of the country. This is about protecting the public, supporting legitimate businesses, and ensuring a level playing field in the market,” Rubio said.
The BOC said it would continue working with brand owners, digital platforms, and enforcement agencies to strengthen its campaign against counterfeit trade and uphold consumer protection. (Alden M. Monzon © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
