Two salesclerks nabbed over uncertified items

CEBU, Philippines — Two female salesclerks allegedly selling and distributing uncertified electronic products were arrested by authorities during an entrapment operation in a building on Plaridel Street, Barangay Santo Niño, Cebu City on Tuesday, May 19.

The Oplan Mega Shopper was executed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 7 (CIDG RFU 7), together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) 7 and partner units, around 12:44 p.m.

Authorities identified the suspects as alias "Del", 35, and "Frex", 32. Both are residents of Cebu City.

A police operative, with technical assistance and verification support from NTC representatives, posed as a buyer and transacted with the suspects for the purchase of the subject items.

According to the initial police report, as the transaction was consummated, the suspects were caught in the act of selling uncertified electronic products to the poseur-buyer.

The suspects were arrested in violation of Article 50 (b) and (c) of the Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The arrest was related to the illegal sale and distribution of consumer products which failed to comply with mandatory standards, quality requirements, and regulatory certifications prescribed by competent government agencies, according to the initial report.

Additionally, the law enforcement operatives also conducted an on-site inspection of the premises, resulting in the recovery of several electronic products from the possession and control of the suspects.

Seized during the operation were several Lenovo, HP EliteBook, and Dell laptops, along with other electronic items worth an estimated amount of P5.3 million.

Subsequent examination and verification by NTC representatives revealed that the recovered items lacked the necessary NTC certifications, permits, and conformity markings required under existing laws and regulations.

All confiscated items were immediately marked, inventoried, documented, and preserved in accordance with established operational procedures and evidentiary requirements in the presence of mandatory witnesses. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU Intern/MRM (FREEMAN)