BULACAN— The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested a Chinese national and a Filipina employee and seized 80,800 alleged counterfeit rice sacks worth an estimated 800,000 pesos during a search of a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, police said Monday.

The CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, along with representatives of Goldman Sack Manufacturing Corp. and territorial police units, served a search warrant at about 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21 at a warehouse in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, according to a police report.

Authorities seized 101 bundles, or 80,800 pieces, of rice sacks bearing various brands that police said were counterfeit or infringed on copyrights or trademarks.

The suspects, identified by police as a male Chinese national who operated the warehouse and a Filipina employee, were arrested for allegedly storing, possessing, controlling and trading the sacks without authorization from the trademark owner.

The suspects are expected to face charges before the National Prosecution Service for alleged violations of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, including provisions on unfair competition and copyright or economic rights.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II said the law is intended to protect intellectual property rights and strengthen enforcement of intellectual property regulations in the country.

Police said the investigation and legal proceedings against the suspects are ongoing.

Photos courtesy of CIDG Region III