NBI seizes over P3 million worth of counterfeit DBTK apparel in Pasay, Antipolo raids

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), through its Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD), seized nearly 3,000 pieces of counterfeit apparel bearing the trademark of local streetwear brand Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK), with an estimated value of more than P3 million, during separate operations in Pasay City and Antipolo, Rizal.

Armed with search warrants, NBI operatives raided several stores in Baclaran, Pasay City, and Masinag, Antipolo, following a complaint from DBTK’s trademark owner.

“The owner of the trademark and brand DBTK, yung Don’t Blame the Kids, sought the assistance of the Intellectual Property Rights Division of the NBI for the conduct of an investigation,” NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said.

Mallari said the agency conducted surveillance and test-buy operations, which confirmed that the establishments were allegedly selling counterfeit DBTK apparel.

Two Bangladeshi nationals were invited for questioning as investigators look into the possible importation of the counterfeit products into the Philippines.

“The Bangladesh nationals might be the ones who imported the products into the Philippines. This is the angle that the operatives are looking at. But para magkaroon tayo ng complete picture on how these items were actually brought into the Philippines,” Mallari said.

The NBI spokesperson stressed that protecting intellectual property rights also means safeguarding homegrown businesses from counterfeit products.

“This is a testament, more or less, to the fact that our brands are really of good quality,” Mallari said. “Most especially for our local brands, especially if they are being sold in the market, we need to protect our local owners. That is what we are doing.”

Atty. Ashley Rojo, legal counsel for DBTK, said the sale of counterfeit merchandise has affected the company financially and threatens the reputation of the local streetwear brand.

“Of course, we are protecting the quality of the brand. And because of this, DBTK is also losing millions because of this,” Rojo said.

“Epekto po nito, of course, ay makakasira ito sa brand. Malilito po ang ating mga consumers kung saan bibili,” she added.

Rojo urged consumers to purchase DBTK products only through the brand’s official website and authorized outlets to ensure authenticity and avoid counterfeit merchandise.

Those who may be found responsible for the sale and distribution of counterfeit products could face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

The NBI said its investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the counterfeit apparel, trace its distribution network, and establish possible links to suppliers abroad.