The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has committed to strengthen efforts versus counterfeiting activities after it was recognized by a global athletic apparel company for seizing a total of P1.56 billion worth of counterfeit footwear.
The Nike Asia Pacific Brand Protection Team gave recognition to the BOC for its efforts in apprehending and seizing counterfeit Nike shoes, according to a statement released by the government agency yesterday.
The awards were presented to customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, deputy commissioner Juvymax Uy, director Verne Enciso and Intellectual Property Rights division chief, Paul Oliver Pacunayen.
“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in combating nefarious counterfeiting activities and ensure the enforcement of intellectual property rights,” Rubio said.
Uy said that while the BOC is grateful for Nike’s recognition, the agency’s job is far from done.
“While this award principally gives credit to the hardworking men and women of the bureau, it similarly serve as added motivation that further ignites the Bureau to go after these manufacturers of counterfeit goods,” Uy said.
For his part, Enciso emphasized that the commendation should serve as a rallying call for all government agencies to work together.
“We wouldn’t be here today without the efforts and commitment of our partner agencies,” Enciso said.
“We understand what is at stake here, that some groups are turning the Philippines into a haven of counterfeit goods. We will stand in their way and put all measures to stop their modus,” he added.
The BOC said it is committed to combat intellectual property rights infringement and protect the integrity of globally recognized brands.
