Fake CDs destroyed

Thousands of pirated compact discs (CDs) and video compact discs (VCDs) seized in a relentless anti-piracy campaign by the city government of Caloocan and the Videogram Regulatory Board (VRB) were destroyed yesterday at City Hall.

Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo said video piracy has exacted a huge toll on the local film industry, saying the usual 300 films produced yearly has now been reduced to about 50.

Malonzo, also the chairman of the screening committee of the Metro Manila Film Festival, discouraged the public from buying fake CDs and VCDs, saying that aside from their poor quality, they are killing the movie industry.

VRB Chairman Ramon "Bong" Revilla, who personally supervised the destruction of the pirated discs, said the VRB had sent to prison at least 12 individuals involved in the manufacture of illegal copies.

Revilla said 14 replicating machines confiscated from illegal manufacturers have been destroyed during his term.

The fake CDs were destroyed during the flagraising ceremony at the Caloocan City Hall which was also attended by city police chief Senior Superintendent Benjardi Mantele. — Pete Laude