The National Bureau of Investigation–National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) seized more than ₱31.4 million worth of counterfeit data storage devices during coordinated operations in Manila, authorities said.
The enforcement actions were carried out on March 16, 2026, targeting the sale and distribution of high-capacity storage products falsely bearing trademarks of global technology brands.
NBI agents implemented search warrants in two locations. In Quiapo, Manila, operatives confiscated 5,474 units of assorted storage devices, including SD cards, microSD cards, SDHC, SDXC, USB flash drives, and hard drives. These items carried counterfeit “Sandisk,” “Sandisk Ultra,” and “Extreme Pro” branding, with an estimated value of ₱23,367,750.
In a separate operation in San Miguel, Manila, authorities recovered 1,124 units of external portable hard drives labeled with the “Seagate” trademark. The seized items, with capacities of 2TB and 4TB, were valued at ₱8,092,240.
The total value of confiscated counterfeit products reached approximately ₱31,459,990, marking a significant enforcement action against substandard and unauthorized technology products in the market.
The establishments involved in the storage, sale, and distribution of the counterfeit devices are now facing criminal charges for trademark infringement under Section 155, in relation to Section 170, of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag said the agency remains committed to protecting intellectual property rights and safeguarding the public from counterfeit products that may fail to meet safety and performance standards.
