Adulterated cement seized in raids

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized P150,000 worth of repackaged adulterated cement following raids on warehouses in Quezon City and Antipolo City.

Special Investigator 3 Joey Narciso of the NBI-NCR said they apprehended Irene de la Cruz of United North Fairview Subdivision Phase 8 in Quezon City and invited for questioning 11 factory workers. Marilyn Garra, alleged financier of the operation, eluded arrest.

Agents also raided Garra’s Golden Lucky hardware at Sitio Cabading in Antipolo City.

NBI-NCR executive officer Rommel Vallejo said they are preparing unfair competition and trademark infringement charges against De la Cruz and Garra and are studying the possibility of including economic sabotage raps.

"Witnesses said they have been operating for the last 10 years. The sacks we recovered from their establishment showed they have almost all brands of cement and distribute the repackaged cement in Metro Manila and Rizal province," Narciso said.

The NBI conducted a three-week surveillance after various cement companies filed a complaint.

After confirming that the suspects were engaged in pilfering cement, the NBI applied for search warrant from Manila Judge Felixberto Olalia Jr. and conducted the raid on Sept. 27. — Evelyn Macairan