Pampanga: Two separate operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have yielded PHP349 million worth of counterfeit footwear and manufacturing equipment in Pampanga. CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II announced in a news release that Pampanga Provincial Field Unit operatives, along with representatives from footwear company Crocs Inc., executed search warrants in two warehouses at Golden Haojia Industrial Compound in Barangay Balucuc, Apalit on Feb. 26.

According to Philippines News Agency, the subject of the two search warrants was not present during the operations, but the activities were conducted in the presence of village officials. The operatives confiscated a total of 1,166 boxes of alleged trademark-infringing CROCS footwear. Additionally, four units of heavy machinery, assorted paraphernalia, and other equipment were seized.

Maj. Gen. Morico emphasized that protecting and securing exclusive rights, intellectual property, and creations is a state policy, especially when they are beneficial to the public.