CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A Chinese national and businessman was arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after authorities seized more than 160 boxes of allegedly counterfeit and trademark-infringing “Magic Sarap” food seasoning products valued at approximately ₱896,000 in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City.
The operation was conducted on October 5, 2026, from approximately 2:14 a.m. to 6:25 p.m., as part of the CIDG’s continuing campaign against violations of intellectual property laws and the illegal trade of counterfeit consumer products.
The CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the CIDG Regional Field Unit 10, CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, Provincial Intelligence Team of Misamis Oriental, representatives of Nestlé Philippines Inc., and territorial police units, carried out the law enforcement operation for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
Authorities said the arrested suspect, identified as a Chinese national and store owner, was allegedly caught while selling and trading the questioned food seasoning products.
More than 160 boxes of the products were confiscated during the operation. The items were described by authorities as allegedly counterfeit and trademark-infringing “Magic Sarap” products, with a total estimated value of ₱896,000.
The operation highlights the growing concern over counterfeit consumer goods entering the market, particularly products intended for human consumption.
According to the CIDG, counterfeit food products such as flavorings and seasonings may bypass legitimate manufacturing, quality-control, health, and sanitary procedures. Authorities warned that such products could therefore create unpredictable risks to consumers, particularly when their ingredients, handling, storage, and manufacturing conditions cannot be verified.
The CIDG said the enforcement action is anchored on the provisions of Republic Act No. 8293, which seeks to protect intellectual property rights and strengthen the legal protection afforded to scientists, inventors, artists, creators, businesses, and other rights holders.
CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II emphasized that the Intellectual Property Code is intended to protect the exclusive rights of intellectual property owners and creators, particularly when their innovations and creations contribute to the welfare of the public.
He also underscored the State’s policy of strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property laws and related regulations throughout the country.
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Jerome Jay S. Ragonton, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 10; PMAJ Dan Junson V. Espinosa, Provincial Chief of the CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit; and iPMAJ Gerson A. Soliven, head of the CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit, along with the participating intelligence and police units, for the successful operation.
The CIDG said the arrest and seizure demonstrate its continued commitment to pursuing violations of the law and protecting consumers from potentially dangerous counterfeit products.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing consumer goods and to report suspicious or potentially counterfeit products being sold in their communities.
The CIDG assured the public that reports concerning suspected counterfeit and trademark-infringing products will be acted upon as part of its mandate to protect consumers and safeguard the rights of legitimate trademark owners.
The arrested suspect and the seized products will be subjected to the appropriate legal proceedings. The suspect remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.