NBI agents raid store over illegal downloads

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently confiscated P2 million worth of computer units and accessories from a store in Mandaluyong City that has allegedly been illegally downloading copyrighted songs.

Regional Director Elfren Meneses Jr. of the NBI-Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) said they raided the Power Mac Center Inc.’s outlet in a Mandaluyong mall. Power Mac has about seven outlets located in major shopping malls.

Initial records showed that the law firm Romulo, Mabanta, Buenaventura, Sayco & De Los Angeles sought the assistance of the NBI-IPRD in behalf of their clients – Sony BMG Music Entertainment Philippines Inc., EMI Philippines Inc., Warner Music Phil., and MCA Records Inc. – and other major record labels that are classified by law as “producers of sound recordings” of known foreign and local artists.

Senior Agent Joel Tovera conducted a surveillance and test buy operation. After allegedly confirming the complaint, he secured 24 search warrants from Executive Judge Reynaldo Ros of the Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 33.

The NBI-IPRD agents immediately served the search warrants and confiscated several computer units and their accessories that were reportedly used to illegally download copyrighted songs in MP3 format.

The seized items are temporarily stored at the NBI-IPRD office while the bureau is preparing to file charges of violating the intellectual property law against the owners and operators of Power Mac.