NBI seizes replicating machines for fake CDs

An estimated amount of P200 million worth of replicating machines and imitations of pirated audio and video compact discs were allegedly seized by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation from a warehouse in Cavite City.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said they raided the Konka Warehouse located in Mountview Business Park, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite City that is reportedly owned by a certain Filipino-Chinese national Rene Ong.

However, Ong was not in the warehouse at the time of the operation.

The NBI-Anti-Organized Crime Division (AOCD), under Assistant Regional Director Oscar Embido, said it received information that Ong was reportedly engaged in the manufacture of fake video compact discs (VCD), compact discs (CD), and digital versatile discs (DVD) for the past few years. 

Immediately, agents from the NBI-AOCD surveyed the area last January. After confirming their report, they applied for a search warrant from Judge Eduardo Israel Tanguanco, of Branch 89 of the Bacoor Cavite Regional Trial Court. The search warrant was issued on March 6.

From the Konka Warehouse, they recovered 19 different replicating machines and equipment used in the manufacture and reproduction of optical media. They also confiscated a sizeable volume of raw materials and accessories used in the manufacture of CDs and DVDs, and finished products marked with different titles of movies.

The replicating machines can produce between 20,000 to 30,000 discs daily.

The bureau is now contemplating on filing violation of RA 9239, (Optical Media Act of 2003), against the owners of the warehouse. – Evelyn Macairan