The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, intensified its campaign against economic crimes after a joint operation led to the seizure of counterfeit footwear worth an estimated Php700 Million from a Chinese-owned warehouse in Barangay Alapan II-A, Imus City, Cavite, on August 3, 2026. The Chinese owner of the facility remains at large as of this writing and is facing charges of Estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cavite Provincial Field Unit, in close coordination with the CIDG Regional Field Unit 4A, the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement partners. Acting as deputized personnel of the Bureau of Customs, the operating teams implemented a Mission Order and a Letter of Authority authorizing the warehouse inspection.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit footwear bearing the trademarks of globally recognized brands, with an initial estimated market value of approximately Php700,000,000. The operation stemmed from validated intelligence information indicating that the warehouse was being used for the packaging, storage, and sale of illicit and substandard footwear. All seized items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper documentation and disposition.
“Counterfeit goods do not only violate intellectual property rights—they also undermine legitimate businesses, deceive consumers, and fuel unlawful enterprises. The PNP will relentlessly pursue those who profit from these illegal activities and ensure they are held accountable under the law,” said PGen Nartatez.
“Hindi natin palalagpasin ang mga taong kumikita sa panlilinlang sa ating mga mamamayan. Walang puwang ang ganitong uri ng ilegal na gawain sa ating lipunan,” he added.
The accomplishment reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation that strengthens the organization’s capability to address evolving criminal activities through intelligence-driven operations. Anchored on the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP remains steadfast in protecting consumers and supporting legitimate commerce by disrupting illegal business operations.
As the PNP strengthens its campaign against counterfeit goods and other economic crimes, it continues to work closely with partner agencies to dismantle criminal networks engaged in illicit trade and protect the public from fraudulent and substandard products, while fostering a fair and secure business environment for legitimate enterprises.
