Authorities seized nearly half a million pesos worth of alleged counterfeit seasoning products and arrested a suspect during an anti-counterfeiting operation in Iligan City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
Operatives from the CIDG Iligan City Field Unit, together with representatives from Nestlé Philippines and local police units, conducted the operation in Barangay Hinaplanon on May 5.
The raid led to the arrest of a 56-year-old man identified only by the alias “Jojo,” a resident of Barangay Gusa in Cagayan de Oro City.
Confiscated during the operation were 106 boxes of suspected fake “Magic Sarap” seasoning products with an estimated value of P444,000.
According to the CIDG, the operation stemmed from a complaint filed by Nestlé Philippines alleging that the suspect was involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit versions of the popular seasoning product.
Police said the suspect was allegedly caught selling and distributing trademark-infringing items during the operation.
CIDG director Police Major General Robert Morico II said the government remains committed to protecting consumers and trademark owners against counterfeit products and unfair trade practices.
He emphasized that authorities are intensifying efforts to enforce intellectual property laws and crack down on the proliferation of fake goods in the market.
The operation was conducted as part of the CIDG’s intensified nationwide campaign against intellectual property violations under the directive of Philippine National Police chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The CIDG also commended its regional and local operating units in Northern Mindanao for the successful operation.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report counterfeit and trademark-infringing products in their communities as investigations and enforcement efforts continue nationwide.