In compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, continues to strengthen its stance against all forms of criminality, including smuggling and economic sabotage.
Through the efforts of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3 Special Operations Team and CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, PNP carried out a successful operation that led to the arrest of a Chinese national and the confiscation of substandard lighters with an estimated market value worth Php16,600,000 during a raid on September 25, 2025, at a warehouse in Richfield Industrial Compound, Barangay Sta. Peligrina, Pulilan, Bulacan.
Acting on validated information provided by a concerned civilian informant, authorities served a search warrant on the warehouse where they discovered 3,320 boxes of “Yowant” brand lighters. The products lacked the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and Philippine Standard (PS) mark required under the law, constituting a violation of Republic Act 7394 otherwise known as Consumer Act of the Philippines. The goods were allegedly being traded without certification from the Department of Trade and Industry–Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI–BPS).
The suspect, identified by the alias “Shu,” a 31-year-old Chinese national and warehouse manager, was arrested while caught engaging in trading, distribution, and storage of the substandard goods. Operatives emphasized that the absence of the ICC or PS mark is a direct violation of consumer protection and product certification laws, warranting immediate law enforcement intervention.
The warrant was served in an orderly manner, in full view of barangay officials, members of the media and the suspect himself. The operation was documented using a PNP-issued body worn camera and an alternative recording device to ensure transparency and accountability.
Police Major General Robert Alexander A Morico II, Acting CIDG Director, lauded his personnel for the successful operation, stating: “I commend [the efforts of the regional and provincial field units] for the arrest and seizure of the substandard lighters. We [have] significantly safeguarded our consumers from the potential risks to health and safety that these illicit products may cause, and held the violator accountable. Maraming sa inyo.”
The success of the OPLAN MEGASHOPPER operation conducted by CIDG likewise commended by PLtGen Nartatez, saying: “Today’s success is not an endpoint but a renewed vow. PNP will remain unrelenting in rooting out illicit trade, ensuring that in Bagong Pilipinas, every consumer is guaranteed the safety, quality, and legitimacy of the products they bring into their homes.”
PNP remains steadfast in its campaign to dismantle underground trade networks that undermine consumer rights. Every raid conducted, every warehouse shuttered, and every violator brought to justice whether Filipino or foreign national reflects the PNP’s strong commitment to maintain public order and safety in all communities.
