P43.7M SUBSTANDARD HOME APPLIANCES SEIZED IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City San Fernando, Pampanga — Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3  (CIDG-RFU3) arrested five suspects and seized some P43.7 million worth of substandard home appliances during the implementation of a search warrant in Bocaue, Bulacan.

According to CIDG RFU3 chief Col. Grant Gollod, the operation, dubbed “Oplan Megashopper,” was conducted on two warehouses in Narra St., Bgy. Taal, Bocaue.

Joint personnel of the CIDG RFU 3 Regional Special Operations Team (RSOT) as the lead unit, with support from the Bulacan Provincial Field Unit, and the Bocaue police launched the operation.

Arrested were alias “Tan,” 41, a Chinese national and warehouse manager; alias “Lyn,” 27, a human resources officer; alias “Arjay,” 23, an administrative staff; alias “Sias,” 33, head of receiving; and alias “Rosy,”  37, head of drop-off and pick-up operations. 

The business proprietress identified as alias “Analyn” remains at-large.

Police conducted the raid based on a search warrant for violation of Article 77 of Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, which requires minimum labeling standards for consumer products.

Seized were eight computer sets with waybill printers, business permits and registrations, assorted business documents, CCTV DVR units, packaging materials, and thousands of boxes of home appliances under the brand name “TIXX.”

The confiscated appliances include gas stoves, multi-functional electric steamers, air fryers, water dispensers, heaters, vacuums, and air coolers, with a total estimated market value of P43,733,700.

Gollod said the operation stemmed from information provided by a civilian informant and was later validated by their detectives.

Operatives confirmed that the warehouses were distributing home appliances that failed to meet the minimum labeling requirements prescribed by law.

Authorities also noted that the products have been the subject of numerous complaints from online consumers due to reported defects and safety hazards, posing potential risks to buyers.

Charges for violation of Article 77 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines were filed against the arrested suspects.