P3-M worth of smuggled DVDs and VCDs destroyed

Subic Bay Freeport — In an effort to curb the rise of pirated digital video discs (DVDs) and video compact discs (VCDs), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Subic destroyed some 85,000 pieces of DVDs and VCDs worth P3 million at the Customs Clearance Area here the other day.

BOC Commissioner Antonio Bernardo led the team that destroyed the smuggled pirated DVDs and VCDs using a heavy road compactor equipment shortly after the inauguration ceremony of the BOC office at Buildings 303 and 307 on Canal Road.

"The increasing incidents of attempted smuggling of pirated films in DVDs and VCDs prompted concerned government agencies to run after those behind copyright violators," Bernardo said.

The BOC spent about P4 million to renovate the two buildings housing various divisions of the BOC Port of Subic.

Bernardo hailed the officials and staff of the BOC here for the improvement of the new building after their former office was burned last February. BOC Port of Subic Deputy collector for assessment Andres Salvacion said the comprehensive campaign against fake DVDs and VCDs is in line with the government’s move to safeguard intellectual property rights.

Salvacion warned those behind the illegal sale of pirated DVDs and VCDs that they will face legal sanctions.