NBI seizes P3.3-M 'fake' umbrellas in Manila

Manila, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized P3.3 million worth of fake Umbra brand umbrellas during simultaneous raids in Manila Thursday, according to a report released yesterday.

The NBI Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) said its agents, armed with search warrants issued by Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr. of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24, confiscated 3,322 fake Umbra Umbrellas at 14 establishments.

Among those raided were stalls in the 168, 999 and Divisoria shopping malls and several warehouses in Binondo.

The NBI said Crisanto Sarte, Cynthia Ramos, Rufina Canlas Manango, Hannah Catral, and Leila Guia are facing charges for violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Edwin Go, a representative of Umbra Umbrellas.