BOC files P12-M IPR case before DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) Thursday a P12-million smuggling case against proprietors and Customs brokers who allegedly imported imitations of a known battery brand and speakers into the country.

BOC Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the smuggling case was filed against Graciano Malangen Tumabat, proprietor of Sarae Trading, and Customs broker Joseph Dimasana Espiritu. They allegedly brought in 1,169 counterfeit speakers that carried the brand “Konzert.”

They also lodged a case against Joel Arzadon Macaraeg, owner of Multikarat Enterprises, and Customs broker Carlos Dacaymat, who reportedly imported seven pallets of bogus Energizer brand batteries in 2010.

Biazon said the value of the batteries and speakers amounted to P7 million and P5 million, respectively. The items, misdeclared as replacement parts, were reportedly imported from China and arrived at the Port of Manila.

The BOC will also check the importation records of the two firms to determine if they had committed previous violations were committed in the past.