BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The police’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) arrested a 57-year-old businessman from La Paz district here for the alleged unauthorized use of trademarks for cigarette brands such as Mighty Green, Camel, Marvel Green, and Winston valued at P1.1 million and misleading consumers regarding the origin and quality of these products.
The operation at Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz was conducted in line with the enforcement of Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines), particularly Sections 169 and 170, which addresses false designation of origin and false description or representation.
Suspect Rogelio Gumaro Boniba faces a string of criminal charges for violation of sections 169 and 170 of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293).
The 57-year-old businessman was arrested following a search warrant issued by Judge Victorino Oliveros Maniba Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 6, Branch 39 in Iloilo City.
The warrant was dated October 11, 2024.
During the operation, CIU operatives recovered counterfeit cigarette products belonging to Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) and JT International S.A. – six boxes, five reams, and six packs of Mighty Green, one box and 37 reams of Camel, six boxes of master case, and seven reams of Marvel Green, five boxes of master cases), Tatum 28 reams as well as the six packs of Winston Red and nine packs of Marvel red.
For his part, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas commended the authorities for their swift and decisive action in arresting the suspect involved in the unauthorized use of trademarks and the production of counterfeit cigarettes.
“This action, taken by the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, shows our commitment to protecting the Ilonggos and legitimate businesses,” said Treñas.
Treñas acknowledged the efforts of CIU’s Police Lieutenant Colonel Dante S. Tayco and Police Lieutenant Herald P. Quiambao, and their team from the Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), emphasizing the importance of such operations in safeguarding the city’s business environment from counterfeit products.
“Counterfeit goods not only infringe on intellectual property rights but also pose serious health risks to our residents,” said Treñas.
They reiterated the city’s stance on supporting law enforcement initiatives aimed at preventing trademark violations and protecting the rights of legitimate businesses such as Japan Tobacco Inc. (JTI) and JT International S.A., whose brands were the target of the counterfeit operation, he added.
“I call for an intensified monitoring effort against these illegal enterprises. Such activities are not welcome in Iloilo City, and we will not tolerate businesses that undermine the integrity of our marketplace,” the mayor said.
The mayor also lauded Police Colonel Kim Legada, director of the Iloilo City Police Office, and all involved units for their swift and effective response.
“I encourage everyone to report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit products so we can work in preserving the integrity of Iloilo City,” said Treñas./PN
