Authorities Seize P3.8M Worth of Counterfeit Magic Sarap in Operations Across Pagadian and Guagua

Authorities have confiscated an estimated P3.8 million worth of counterfeit Magic Sarap seasoning during two separate operations in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Guagua, Pampanga. These enforcement actions were carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in partnership with representatives from Nestlé Philippines, Inc., and local police units.

The operations targeted entities suspected of violating Republic Act No. 8293, known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, specifically addressing the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit "Magic Sarap" food seasoning products.

On June 5, the CIDG Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Field Unit, alongside Nestlé representatives, conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulatok, Pagadian City. This led to the arrest of a female suspect identified as "Lin," a legal-age Chinese national originally from Quanzhou, Fujian, China, and residing in Barangay Tiguma, Pagadian City. Lin was apprehended while selling and distributing alleged counterfeit "Maggi Magic Sarap" seasoning.

During this operation, authorities confiscated 728 boxes of the counterfeit seasoning, with a total estimated market value of P3,458,000.00.

Subsequently, on June 10, the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU), together with Nestlé representatives, conducted a similar operation in Barangay Siran, Guagua, Pampanga. This resulted in the arrest of another female suspect, "Lyn," a legal-age businesswoman, who was caught distributing and trading alleged trademark-infringing and counterfeit "Maggi Magic Sarap" products.

The Guagua operation yielded the seizure of 87 boxes of counterfeit seasoning valued at P374,100.00.

CIDG Director PMGEN Robert AA Morico II emphasized the importance of Republic Act No. 8293 in protecting the exclusive rights of creators, inventors, and artists, particularly when their intellectual property benefits the public. He reiterated the State’s commitment to strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property laws and related regulations nationwide.

These recent operations underscore the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sector stakeholders like Nestlé Philippines to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, safeguard consumers, and uphold intellectual property rights in the Philippines.