Pasay city: Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested in separate operations a Chinese national selling counterfeit footwear in Pasay City, and a murder fugitive of nine years in Samar province.
According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano stated that the 37-year-old Chinese national, identified as “Zen”, was apprehended in Barangay 77, Pasay City. Zen was found trading and distributing counterfeit footwear, valued at PHP9.1 million, on August 7. The operation, based on confirmed intelligence and executed with a search warrant, led to the seizure of 2,764 pairs of Vans shoes, 285 pairs of Crocs slippers/sandals, and nine pairs of Puma shoes.
This operation was part of CIDG’s mandate to protect intellectual property rights. Abrahano emphasized the importance of safeguarding these rights to prevent consumer deception and confusion caused by the illegal use of registered trademarks. Zen is now facing criminal charges under Republic Act 8293, the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
In a separate operation, the CIDG Western Samar Provincial Field Unit, in collaboration with territorial police units, arrested “Luis” in Barangay Bagacay, Daram island town, on August 10. Luis was apprehended based on a 2016 warrant for two counts of murder and two counts of frustrated murder issued by the Catbalogan City, Samar Regional Trial Court.
Luis is a co-accused of Barangay Captain “Antonio,” recently captured in Barangay Saraw, Motiong, Samar, under the same warrant. They are listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Record for the first quarter of 2025.
The charges against Luis and his 14 co-accused, alleged communist rebels, relate to an attack on May 15, 2015, in Barangay Concepcion, Paranas, Samar. The attack involved high-powered firearms and resulted in the deaths of two Private First Class soldiers and serious injuries to two others.
Abrahano commended the CIDG Western Samar Provincial Field Unit for their persistent efforts in apprehending two of the 15 fugitives. He highlighted the dedication and commitment of the unit in arresting wanted persons nationwide, contributing to justice for victims and their families.
