BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Fake insect killer sprays contain harmful chemicals that can kill not just pests, but humans as well.
Hence, authorities are warning the public against the proliferation of fake insect sprays in the metropolis following the recent arrest of a Chinese national for selling counterfeit insect sprays.
“We urge the public to be wary of these fake insect killer sprays. These products may not work as intended and could contain substances dangerous to humans and the environment,” said Police Captain Elbert M. Santos, city chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Iloilo City Field Unit (CFU).
Operatives of the CIDG-CFU arrested Chinese national Kunyuan Huang for violation of Republic Act 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, on Feb. 19.
The CIDG-CFU caught the 39-year-old Chinese man in his residence in Barangay Montinola, Jaro, Iloilo City based on the arrest warrant issued by Judge Victorino Oliveros Maniba Jr., of the Regional Trial Court Branch 39. The court recommended P30,000 as bail for his temporary freedom.
The police said the accused was informed of the nature of the charge and his constitutional rights under the Miranda doctrine and the Anti-Torture Warning Act.
They also used a body-worn camera and an alternative recording device in executing the arrest warrant in compliance with the administrative rules of the Supreme Court.
Kunyuan and Wilson del Rosario stand accused of violation of the Copyright Law for selling and distributing counterfeit insect killer sprays in their businesses.
“The use of counterfeit insect killer spray can be dangerous as it may not be formulated properly or could contain harmful substances that can be hazardous to humans, pets, and the environment. These products may not work as intended because they could contain harmful substances,” said Captain Santos.
Santos also urged the public to always purchase insect killer sprays from legitimate and reputable retailers to ensure safety and effectiveness.
He appealed to the public to report retailers selling fake insect killer sprays to the nearest police office for proper investigation./PN