Fake backpacks seized in a raid

CEBU, Philippines - More than half a million pesos worth of raw materials and equipment in manufacturing fake Habagat brand backpacks was seized by the police during a raid by the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of Mandaue City Police Office Friday evening in Sitio Isla de Palma, Barangay Looc.

Armed with a search warrant issued by RTC Branch 56 Judge Teresita Galanida, operatives of the IDMB led by their chief  Police Senior Inspector Jimmy Fortez raided a small shanty in the area manned by three sewers.

The search warrant came after the trademark owner of Habagat Outdoor Philippines complained to the police that their trademark design "was copied by a fake manufacturer," who was only identified as a certain Richard.

During the raid, police were able to seize P100,000 worth of raw materials for manufacturing the backpacks and four sewing machines whose prices range from P90,000 to P100,000.

Fortez said during the raid, Pamela Deche, the production manager of Habagat Outdoor who accompanied police during the arrest, told him of the difference between a genuine Habagat backpack and the fake one through the zipper.

 "Ang original daw nga Habagat bag naay nakatatak nga Habagat apan ang ilang gipamuhat nga bag way tatak," Fortez said.

They also learned from the three sewers that the backpacks are being sold in volume and prices range from P250 to P300, whereas the original ones range from P650 to P750.

Fortez added there was indeed mass production of fake Habagat items because according to the sewers, they can finish off 50 backpacks per day.

He said the company filed a complaint against the fake makers of these Habagat backpacks after they noticed a decrease in income due to proliferation of fake bags in the market.

Fortez said they cannot arrest the three sewers present during the raid because the search warrant was only ordered for the seizure of the equipment and the materials used in making the backpacks.

He added that it's up to the court to file a case against them in violation of Section 155 of R.A. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

"Richard," who was reported to own the said shop, was not around during the raid. The seized items are now under the custody of MCPO for safekeeping and will serve as evidence in whatever case will be lodged against the suspect. (FREEMAN)