P1.5M SUBSTANDARD APPLIANCES SEIZED IN BULACAN WAREHOUSE

BY KEVIN GALANG

OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized some P1.5 million worth of substandard appliances in a raid at a warehouse in Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Two suspects were arrested. They were identified only as alias “Joel” and alias “Simon.”

Members of the CIDG Regional Field Unit – Special Operations Team, together with the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit and Meycauayan City Police Station, implemented the search warrant for alleged  violation of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines against NIOQUICK Warehouse located at Boston St. in Bgy. Pantok, Meycauayan.

Seized were 326 units of assorted Hanatek brand home appliances, including refrigerators, electric fans and water dispensers, that allegedly have no Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) seals from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The confiscated appliances are worth P1,560,500.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said  Republic Act 7394 was enacted primarily to protect the consumers against hazards to health and safety, and against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices.

“I commend our CIDG Regional Field Unit, the CIDG Bulacan Provincial Field Unit and the joint units for this accomplishment. With the confiscation of these appliances and the arrest of the violators, we prevented the sale of substandard consumer products, thereby we protected our kababayans  from hazards to health and safety  that may cause from buying no ICC seal appliances. Maraming Salamat sa inyo,” Torre told his men.

“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws to protect consumers and relentless in its fight against all crimes and violations of laws,” he further said.

Torre reminded the public to be vigilant and cautious in buying consumer products, including appliances, by checking the required ICC seal.

“We urge you to report all trade of substandard products and illegal activities in your localities and your CIDG will do the rest,” the official added.