PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities intercepted dozens of boxes containing suspected counterfeit food seasoning products during a late-night operation in Barangay Tiguma, Pagadian City, on Wednesday, July 1, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against the distribution of fake consumer goods.
Operatives of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Zamboanga del Sur confiscated 50 boxes of suspected counterfeit Magic Sarap seasoning and two boxes of suspected counterfeit monosodium glutamate (MSG) or “betsin” at around 11:45 p.m. during an operation led by Police Major Jayson Rey Gomera.
The suspected counterfeit products were immediately seized after authorities intercepted them during the operation.
To ensure transparency and proper documentation, several local government officials witnessed the confiscation. Among those present were Pagadian City Councilor Lance Co, Barangay Tiguma Chairperson Che Tampus, and Barangay Kagawad Faizal Catong, who serves as Chairman of the Barangay Peace and Order Committee.
Authorities said the presence of the witnesses was intended to ensure that the operation was conducted in accordance with legal procedures and to uphold the integrity of the evidence gathered.
Investigators are now tracing the origin and intended destination of the confiscated products as part of an ongoing effort to identify individuals or groups behind the alleged distribution of counterfeit food seasonings in the region.
Officials have also ordered laboratory examinations on the seized items to determine whether they are indeed counterfeit. The results of the forensic analysis will serve as the basis for the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative charges against those who may be found responsible.
Counterfeit food products pose significant risks to public health because they may contain unauthorized or substandard ingredients and are manufactured outside regulated safety standards. Authorities continue to warn consumers to purchase only from legitimate retailers and to carefully inspect product packaging for signs of tampering or irregularities.
The HPG and other concerned law enforcement agencies assured the public that operations against the manufacture, transport, and distribution of counterfeit consumer products will continue as part of efforts to protect consumers and prevent fake goods from reaching the market.
The investigation remains ongoing.