OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested in Manila three Chinese and three Filipinos for allegedly selling substandard cellphones and tablets.
In a statement yesterday, the CIDG named the suspects only as Hong, Yanchun, and Zhong, all Chinese; and Erica, Ashley, and Annie, all Filipinos.
The six were arrested during a law enforcement operation in Binondo, Manila last Saturday.
“They were caught while selling and trading cellphones and tablets that are allegedly without the required clearance from the National Telecommunications Commission and Department of Trade and Industry,” the CIDG said.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were 37 cellphones and 263 tablets, worth P3.5 million.
CIDG acting director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz commended the personnel for the arrest of the suspects and seizure of substandard phones and tablets.
“This operation is part of our relentless campaign to protect Filipino consumers from the hazards of substandard and counterfeit electronics, which not only undermine public safety but also violate intellectual property and trade standards,” said Macapaz.
“It underscores our commitment to implementing the law against local and foreign nationals,” added Macapaz.
He assured the public that the CIDG remains “unrelenting in its fight against all crimes and dauntless to all criminals.”
“We urge the public to report to CIDG all illegal activities in their localities, and the Group will do the rest,” the CIDG chief also said.
