SAN SIMON, Pampanga — Two Chinese nationals were arrested after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized an estimated P1.2 million worth of unregistered laundry fabric softener products from a warehouse in Barangay San Isidro, San Simon, Pampanga, on Monday (Oct. 12).
The operation, conducted by the CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit with the Philippine Air Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Military Intelligence Unit, and the Food and Drug Administration, was carried out under a search warrant for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
In a report submitted to the CIDG Director, PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, it stated that the two arrested Chinese nationals, both male, are incorporator and supervisor of the chemical manufacturing corporation, respectively, they are the subjects of the search warrant.
They were caught while in possession and control, storing, and selling laundry fabric softener products that are not duly registered and without License to Operate (LOA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Director of CIDG emphasized that according to Republic Act No. 9711, otherwise known as the “Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009”, the State protects and promotes the right to health of the Filipino people; and enhances its regulatory capacity, strengthens its capability with regard to the inspection, licensing and monitoring of establishments, and the registration and monitoring of health products.
Under the law, the manufacture, importation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer of health, food products and consumer products without the required authorization from the authorities is prohibited.
Buying and using unregistered laundry fabric softeners poses major risks because these products bypass official safety regulations, quality checks, and mandatory ingredient disclosures.
Legitimate household chemicals are strictly evaluated by health authorities to ensure they do not contain toxic levels of hazardous materials. When a product is unregistered, it escapes this oversight entirely.
The CIDG leadership commends the CIDG National Capital Region Field Unit led by its Regional Chief, P/Col. John K Guiagui for the accomplishment. This successful operation underscores the Unit’s commitment in protecting every consumer by implementing the laws, and arresting the violators. (UnliNews Online)
Source: CIDG
