Agents from the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have dealt a major blow to a large-scale counterfeit footwear operation, seizing an estimated PHP202 million worth of fake products and manufacturing equipment in simultaneous raids across Central Luzon.
Major Raids in Bulacan and Pampanga
The enforcement action took place on January 16, 2026, targeting warehouses in two provinces. The first operation was conducted in Barangay Inaon, Pulilan, Bulacan. There, authorities discovered a massive stash of imitation footwear and the machinery used to produce them.
The haul from the Bulacan warehouse included:
- 1,119 boxes of counterfeit shoes valued at PHP141 million.
- 30 sacks of footwear accessories worth PHP39 million.
- One injector machine priced at PHP2.5 million.
- Three sets of molding machines valued at PHP14.2 million.
Three Chinese nationals were apprehended at this location and are currently held by the CIDG Regional Field Unit.
Follow-Up Operation in Pampanga
On the same day, acting on separate intelligence, CIDG operatives raided a warehouse inside an industrial park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad, San Simon, Pampanga. This operation was launched based on a tip from a civilian informant.
This second raid yielded counterfeit Crocs slippers with an estimated value of PHP513,206 and another molding machine worth PHP4.75 million. Authorities arrested a fourth Chinese national at this site.
The PNP stated that complaints from online consumers about product defects and inconsistencies with genuine items helped build the case for the enforcement action.
Ensuring Transparency and Upholding the Law
To guarantee a transparent and properly documented process, the raiding teams utilized body-worn cameras throughout the operations. All seized items have been fully documented and transferred to a designated storage facility.
Acting PNP chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez, emphasized the importance of such crackdowns in a statement. "Hindi puwedeng hayaang masiraan ang tiwala ng publiko sa mga produkto sa merkado," Nartatez said. "Ang PNP ay narito upang tiyakin na ang lahat ng negosyo ay sumusunod sa batas at may pananagutan sa kanilang ginagawa."
Case records against the arrested individuals are now being finalized in close coordination with prosecutors to build a solid legal case.
In related police accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Nartatez also reported that on January 15 and 16, separate operations led to the confiscation of PHP20 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes. Furthermore, 22 most wanted persons (MWPs) were arrested nationwide, including suspects listed in the top 10 regional MWPs, through coordinated efforts by various Police Regional Offices and CIDG units.
