Assorted counterfeit Unilever products worth Php2.1 million were seized by agents of the CIDG Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit during the implementation of a Search Warrant (SW) today, February 28, 2023 at around 10:29 AM in Brgy Potrero, Malabon City.
The said police operation was in compliance with the directive of the CPNP PGEN RODOLFO S AZURIN JR for an intensified police operation against counterfeit products in support of the peace and security framework of the PNP.
In a submitted report to CIDG Director, PBGen Romeo M Caramat Jr said that 334 crates of assorted Unilever products, a pail of Unilever products residue such as Dove, Rexona, and Axe; a half-full plastic of Zeam coat powder, voluminous sticker labels (front and back labels), and a roll of sticker label (expiration date) were seized by the CIDG during the said police operation.
The said agents, after receiving a complaint lodged by a lawyer-representative of UNILEVER Philippines that a certain Jake Michael DS Bautista is engaged in the unscrupulous production and selling of counterfeit Unilever products, were sent out to conduct validation and verfication.
The conducted surveillance and case build-up by the CIDG confirmed the allegation that resulted in the filing and implementation of an SW and the eventual arrest of Bautista.
The Arrested suspect and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the AFCCU office for proper documentation and disposition while criminal complaint for violations of Sec 11 of RA 3720 as amended by RA 9711 (Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009) and RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Rights) are now being prepared for filing through Inquest Proceedings at the Malabon City Prosecutor’s Office.
CIDG Director asserts to the public that such illegal acts will not continue as long as the CIDG is unswerving and dedicated in its commitment to enforcing the law against criminality. He also warns the public that patronizing and using counterfeited either food or cosmetic products may not ensure their health and safety. ### CIDG
