PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities arrested a Chinese national and seized more than P3.4 million worth of alleged counterfeit food seasoning products during a buy-bust operation in Pagadian City, highlighting the government’s intensified campaign against intellectual property violations and the proliferation of potentially hazardous counterfeit consumer goods.
A report submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director, PMGEN Robert A.A. Morico II, revealed that operatives from the CIDG Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with representatives from Nestlé Philippines, Inc., conducted the operation on June 5, 2026, in Barangay Bulatok, Pagadian City.
Arrested during the operation was a woman identified only by her alias “Lin,” a Chinese national from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China, who currently resides in Barangay Tiguma, Pagadian City.
Authorities said the suspect was caught in the act of allegedly selling and distributing counterfeit “Maggi Magic Sarap” seasoning products, a violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated 728 boxes of the alleged counterfeit seasoning products with an estimated market value of P3,458,000.
Threat to Public Health
CIDG officials emphasized that counterfeit food products pose a serious threat not only to legitimate businesses and trademark owners but also to public health and consumer safety.
Morico underscored that the primary objective of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, is to protect and secure the exclusive rights of inventors, artists, scientists, and creators over their intellectual property and innovations, particularly those that benefit the public.
He stressed that the State remains committed to strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property laws and related regulations nationwide.
The CIDG chief further warned that counterfeit food seasonings and consumer products may expose consumers to severe health risks because such products bypass the stringent quality-control processes, safety inspections, and regulatory standards imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Counterfeit food products may appear identical to genuine brands in packaging and presentation, but their contents may contain unverified, substandard, or even hazardous ingredients that can endanger consumers,” Morico said.
CIDG Commends Operatives
The CIDG leadership commended the efforts of CIDG Regional Field Unit 9, headed by PCOL Rosell D.M. Encarnacion, as well as the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) under PLTCOL Angelo B. Nicolas, and the CIDG Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Allen M. Alcido for the successful operation.
Officials described the crackdown as a significant victory in the fight against counterfeit goods and organized illegal activities that undermine consumer protection and intellectual property rights.
The operation, they said, demonstrates the CIDG’s unwavering commitment to enforcing laws designed to protect public health, ensure fair business practices, and safeguard the rights of trademark owners.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Following the seizure, the CIDG urged consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing food seasonings and other consumer products, especially from unauthorized or suspicious sources.
Authorities warned that counterfeit products are often packaged to closely resemble authentic brands, making them difficult for ordinary consumers to distinguish.
The CIDG also encouraged the public to report suspected counterfeit and trademark-infringing products in their communities, assuring citizens that authorities will promptly investigate and take appropriate action.
“The CIDG remains resolute in enforcing all laws necessary to protect the safety and health of the public while safeguarding intellectual property rights across the country,” the agency said.
The arrested suspect is expected to face charges for violating the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines as authorities continue their investigation into the source and distribution network of the seized counterfeit products.