P1.1-M fake cigarettes seized in Iloilo City

Fake cigarettes valued at P1.1 million were confiscated from the house of a businessman in Barangay Tabuc Suba, La Paz district, Iloilo City on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The seizure of the counterfeit items was a result of a search warrant operation conducted by the intelligence unit of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) around 5:30 a.m.

The suspect was identified as Rogelio Boniba, 57. He is currently detained at the custodial facility of the Iloilo City Police Station 2.

Boniba will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

City Mayor Jerry Treñas commended ICPO for its “successful” operation.

“This impressive seizure underscores our unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting the interests of the residents of Iloilo and preserving the integrity of legitimate businesses operating within the region,” he said in a statement.IMT