MANILA, Philippines — At least P65.4 million worth of counterfeit goods were destroyed yesterday at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The items, which include fake Rolex watches, cigarettes, designer bags and shoes, were destroyed as part of the observance of the Intellectual Property Month this April.
Authorities said P31 million worth of counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags and wallets, Oppo cell phones as well as soap were also destroyed.
Intellectual Property Office (IPO) director Josephine Santiago said the destruction of the goods was part of the government’s campaign against fake items.
Last year, at least P23.6 billion worth of counterfeit goods was recovered by the IPO and different law enforcement agencies.
Santiago said fake cigarettes accounted for the largest amount of seized items.
“The proliferation of fake goods in the market is hurting local manufacturers,” she said.
The PNP warned the public against patronizing counterfeit items.