By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least P14,000 worth of fake cigarettes were recently confiscated by police after they conducted a raid at a public market in Barangay 7, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Joselito Onglato, Jr., a resident of Veterans Village, Iloilo City.

Isabela municipal police chief, Police Chief Inspector Ruben Pajarito, said, around 1:00 p.m. on Monday, they received a phone call from a concerned citizen reporting the suspected sale of fake cigarettes at the public market, prompting the raid.

Police immediately nabbed Onglato and confiscated the fake cigarettes.

Pajarito pointed out, based on statements by locals who smoked the fake cigarettes, they noted a different flavor compared to the authentic product.

He added, police immediately contacted representatives from the cigarette company in order to file charges in violation of RA 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

However, after the 18-hour reglementary period passed, authorities were required to release Onglato./DGB, WDJ