Agents from the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have dealt a massive blow to a counterfeit footwear syndicate, seizing an estimated PHP202 million worth of fake products and manufacturing equipment in simultaneous operations in Central Luzon.
Major Raids in Bulacan and Pampanga
The enforcement actions, carried out on January 16, 2026, targeted warehouses in Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Simon, Pampanga. The operations led to the arrest of four Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the large-scale production and distribution of imitation branded footwear.
In Barangay Inaon, Pulilan, authorities discovered a major hub containing:
- 1,119 boxes of counterfeit footwear valued at PHP141 million.
- 30 sacks of footwear accessories worth PHP39 million.
- One injector machine (PHP2.5 million) and three sets of molding machines (PHP14.2 million).
Three Chinese suspects were apprehended at this location and are now under the custody of the CIDG Regional Field Unit.
Tip-Off Leads to Pampanga Warehouse
On the same day, a follow-up operation was launched in Pampanga based on information provided by a civilian informant. At a warehouse inside an industrial park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad, San Simon, operatives found:
- Counterfeit Crocs slippers with an estimated value of PHP513,206.
- An additional molding machine worth PHP4.75 million.
This raid resulted in the arrest of a fourth Chinese national. The PNP noted that complaints from online consumers about product defects and inconsistencies with genuine items helped substantiate the case.
Transparency and a Warning from the PNP
The CIDG emphasized the use of body-worn cameras throughout the raids to ensure transparency and proper evidence handling. All seized items were meticulously documented and transferred to a designated storage facility.
Acting PNP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, issued a stern warning in a statement. "Hindi puwedeng hayaang masiraan ang tiwala ng publiko sa mga produkto sa merkado," he said. "Ang PNP ay narito upang tiyakin na ang lahat ng negosyo ay sumusunod sa batas at may pananagutan sa kanilang ginagawa."
Case records are currently being finalized in coordination with prosecutors for the filing of appropriate charges. In a related announcement, Nartatez also reported the confiscation of PHP20 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes, along with the arrest of 22 most wanted persons in separate operations conducted on January 15 and 16.
