CIDG seizes P6.5-M fake appliances

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized some P6.5 million worth of bogus electrical appliances during a series of raids in Caloocan City and Valenzuela City lastWednesday.

CIDG-National Capital Region chief Senior Superintendent Asher Dolina said the raids were conducted following complaints from representatives of Micromatic and Standard that unscrupulous groups have been imitating their electrical appliances and using their brand name to sell to the public.

Dolina’s men confirmed the complaints, prompting them to secure search warrants for establishments on 7th street in Caloocan City and Masipag street in Dalandan, Valenzuela City.

Dolina said the Caloocan raid yielded three truckloads of fake Micromatic and Standard rice cookers, blenders, pressure cookers and flat irons. Five trucks of similar products were seized in the Valenzuela raid.

Three search warrants were also served in Barangay Luna in Cabanatuan City, where four truckloads of similar products were confiscated.

Dolina said a manhunt has been launched against Danny Sy, alias Si Bing Li, allegedly the businessman behind the counterfeit products.

Charges of violation of the Intellectual Property Rights has been filed against him.

"Officials of Micromatic and Standard said these fake products do not pass quality control. They do not have the quality of the legitimate products. They pose dangers to people who buy them," an operative of the CIDG said.