The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Thursday to intensify intelligence and enforcement operations against counterfeit and unregulated products flooding online e-commerce platforms.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced the crackdown following calls from consumer advocacy group Malayang Konsymer for a sustained government effort to eliminate hazardous fake items from sites like Lazada and Shopee. The group warned that counterfeit medicines, health supplements, cosmetics and toys pose severe health risks due to unregulated or toxic ingredients.
Nartatez emphasized that the proliferation of fake goods extends beyond intellectual property rights, framing it as a critical health and safety concern.
“The PNP will strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement operations against individuals and networks engaged in the sale and distribution of fake and unregulated products,” Nartatez said, adding that the police force “will not allow online platforms to become a safe haven for counterfeiters.”
To track down illegal traders and file criminal charges, the PNP will coordinate closely with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other regulatory bodies.
Nartatez urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious sellers, warning offenders that police will pursue them through targeted, intelligence-driven operations.