P50-M fake DVDs seized at NAIA

Some P50 million worth of pirated films on digital video discs (DVDs) and video compact discs (VCDs) have been seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The shipment was opened yesterday during a press conference inside the Paircargo Warehouse at the NAIA complex, led by Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo, Videogram Regulatory Board Chairman Ramon "Bong" Revilla and NAIA District Customs Collector Celso Templo.

Bernardo said the more than 500,000 fake DVDs and VCDs, weighing about 1.8 tons, came from Malaysia in three plane shipments two weeks ago.

The goods were consigned to a certain Bobby Raval of 1925 Lues street, Quezon City and a certain Allan Mantley, with no address. Their names are currently being verified.

The shipment arrived at the NAIA from Malaysia, via Bangkok, on Thai Airways flight TG-620 at around 3:30 p.m. last Oct. 12.

Bernardo said that after receiving a tip from an informant, a warrant of seizure and detention was issued on the shipment. The illegal DVDs and VCDs were forfeited in favor of the government.

After the hold order was issued, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) personnel were alerted to intercept the shipment. The items had been declared as "personal effects."

Bernardo said the discs were intended to be sold during the holiday season. He said the BOC is now checking if the consignees were regular importers of VCDs and DVDs.

"If found in violation of our laws, we will blacklist these importers and revoke their accreditation as importers," Bernardo said. The Malaysian Embassy has been informed of the seized contraband.

Revilla said the smuggling of pirated movies has been going on for some time, prompting him to seek assistance from the BOC. He said combined VRB and BOC teams have been conducting surveillance on all ports of entry to block the entry of illegal items, especially pirated movies, from Malaysia, China and other countries.

"If we are not vigilant, this would flourish in the market. I thank Commissioner Bernardo and Collector Templo for doing their jobs. This is a big help in our anti-piracy campaign," Revilla said.

He said the seized items represented supply good for about one month in the market. "This is really a big bust."

Movie titles included Pirates of the Caribbean, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Bad Boys II, Out of Time as well as Playboy videos.