BOCAUE, Bulacan — Authorities are warning the public to exercise caution when purchasing rice following the discovery of tens of thousands of suspected counterfeit sacks intended to disguise low-grade rice as premium brands.
Operatives from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) raided a local facility on September 21, leading to the arrest of a Chinese national and a Filipina worker.
Law enforcers confiscated roughly 80,800 imitation rice bags valued at ₱800,000.
Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, stated that the fake packaging was designed to replicate established brands, allowing deceptive sellers to misrepresent cheap grain to unsuspecting consumers.
“This operation highlights not only a violation of intellectual property laws but also a potential threat to consumers. Rice is a staple food, and any scheme that misleads the public about the quality or source of rice must be addressed decisively,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez added that police units across the country have been directed to scale up surveillance against similar trademark infringements to safeguard both buyers and legitimate distributors.
“I commend the CIDG and all personnel involved for the successful operation, and I have directed them and all concerned police units to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations against counterfeiting activities, strengthen coordination with legitimate trademark owners, and identify other individuals or groups involved in similar illegal operations to protect consumers and uphold the law,” he said.
The PNP chief also appealed to citizens to report illicit repacking sites or unverified sellers in their communities.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and purchase products only from legitimate and reputable sources. The PNP will continue its efforts against counterfeiters and other unscrupulous individuals who deceive consumers and undermine public trust,” he said.