CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — An Australian national was arrested during an Oplan Megashopper operation targeting alleged economic sabotage, smuggling, and the illegal manufacture, distribution, and trading of counterfeit or unauthorized products in Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, on August 25, 2026.
Arrested was alias “Frank,” 59, an Australian citizen and identified importer of Eric Francis Battery (EFB), who was allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of imported automotive batteries without the necessary permits and clearances from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit (CFU), with the Regional Field Unit 10 Regional Special Operations Team (RFU 10 RSOT), in coordination with the DTI Region 10 and Police Station 7 of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO).
According to authorities, the operation was launched after the suspect was placed under surveillance for approximately three months over alleged unauthorized trading of imported automotive batteries.
DTI verification exposed alleged lack of permits
Authorities said they coordinated with DTI Region 10 to verify the legality of the suspect’s business operations and determine whether the automotive batteries being sold complied with government requirements.
The verification reportedly showed that the suspect was not authorized to sell the products, while the imported automotive batteries allegedly did not bear the required Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.
The batteries were reportedly sourced from China.
Investigators also learned that the suspect allegedly did not maintain an established physical store. Instead, he was reportedly renting a house in the vicinity of Barangay Iponan, which authorities said was being used to keep and distribute the automotive batteries.
The findings prompted law enforcement authorities to conduct the operation that eventually led to the suspect’s arrest.
Buy-bust operation yields batteries and evidence
During the operation, authorities confiscated five EFB-R NS60LMF 9 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries and five EFB-R N66LMF 11 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries, which were reportedly used as buy-bust items.
Operatives also recovered one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money, 27 pieces of ₱1,000 boodle money, and one receipt.
A much larger quantity of automotive batteries was subsequently seized from the premises.
The confiscated items included:
- 25 pieces of EFB-R N100MF 16 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries;
- 40 pieces of EFB-R DIWSOMF 13 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries;
- 195 pieces of EFB-R N66LMF 11 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries;
- 24 pieces of EFB-R DIWSOMF 10 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries;
- 55 pieces of EFB-R NS60LMF 9 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries; and
- 148 pieces of EFB-R NS40LMF 7 Plates Lead-Acid Batteries.
Authorities placed the estimated total market value of the confiscated automotive batteries at approximately ₱1,582,400.
The seizure significantly disrupted what investigators described as an alleged unauthorized distribution operation involving imported automotive batteries.
Cases being prepared for inquest
Following his arrest, the suspect and all confiscated evidence were brought to the CIDG Cagayan de Oro CFU Office for documentation, inventory, and proper disposition.
Authorities are preparing appropriate cases for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 4109, for inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges remain allegations at this stage, and the suspect will be entitled to the rights and remedies provided under Philippine law.
The operation forms part of law enforcement efforts to address the illegal entry, distribution, and sale of products that allegedly fail to meet government standards and regulatory requirements.
PRO 10 vows continued crackdown
PBGEN Aaron M. Mandia, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Regional Office 10, commended the participating law enforcement units for their coordinated operation.
Mandia underscored the importance of sustained enforcement of regulations governing the importation, sale, and distribution of consumer products, particularly those that could affect legitimate businesses and consumer interests.
He said PRO 10 would remain steadfast in strengthening operations against illegal trade and other activities that undermine legitimate enterprises, consumer protection, and government regulations.
The case also highlights the role of inter-agency coordination in identifying businesses and products allegedly operating outside the regulatory framework, particularly where imported goods are involved.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the seized batteries and business records as part of the investigation and the filing of appropriate charges before prosecutors.