James Bond DVDs in majority amongst Philippines pirated haul

In an effort to curb the rise in pirated DVDs and VCDs in the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated some 10 tons worth of the items that were earlier seized in three bonded warehouses in the ports of Manila, Subic and Davao, reports ABS.

The majority of those fake DVD and VCDs were James Bond box office movies which include the latest films entitled "The World is not Enough", and "Die Another Day". Also among the numerous films were "Goldfinger" and "Dr. No".

Agents of the bureau’s enforcement and intelligence group headed by Deputy Commissioner Ray Allas pounced separately on the three illegal shipments minutes after they have been unloaded at the piers.

Based on intelligence information, Allas men quickly isolated the three shipments of fake DVDs and VCDs upon arrival at the BOC ports.

The fake DVDs and VCDs were later brought to the Manila International Container Port and presented to Customs Commissioner Antonio Bernardo.

Bernardo disclosed that they have been tipped off about the arriving shipments by intelligence sources abroad of cargoes that are illegal which violate the international property rights of which the Philippines is a signatory to the instrument to protect copyrights.

Bernardo said he relayed the information to the bureau’s task force on IPR, which is also headed by Allas, for immediate surveillance and apprehension if the information proved positive. The shipments were also found misdeclared.

Bernardo explained the rise in the incidents of attempted smuggling of pirated films in DVDs and VCDs due to the concerted efforts of government agencies concerned to run after those behind copyright violators that resulted in the destruction of replicating machines.

Sources of fake VCDs and DVDs were traced to have come from Malaysia and Indonesia where piracy of intellectual rights remain unchecked. They are shipped to Manila concealed in legitimate cargoes.

Thanks to `Goldeneye` for the alert.

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