Major Raid in Subic Nets P12 Million in Allegedly Illegal Gadgets
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has made a significant bust in Subic, Zambales, confiscating an estimated P12.2 million worth of alleged refurbished electronic devices during a targeted operation. The raid, conducted on February 5, 2026, took place at a warehouse located within the Subic Bay Gateway Park, uncovering a large cache of gadgets intended for illegal local sale.
Details of the Confiscated Items and Operation
According to the CIDG report released on Monday, authorities seized a total of 2,400 laptops and 65 mobile phones during the execution of a search warrant. The warrant was issued by Executive Judge Richard A. Paradeza of the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City on February 3, 2026. The confiscated laptops included:
- 460 Dell Chromebooks
- 600 Acer Chromebooks
- 690 HP Chromebooks
- 650 Lenovo Chromebooks
In addition to the electronic devices, operatives also seized important documents, such as an order book, a back job checklist report, and a Certificate of Registration from the Bureau of Customs, which are crucial for the ongoing investigation.
Arrests and Charges Filed Against Suspects
During the operation, the CIDG arrested four Chinese nationals identified as Liang, Liu, Xiao, and Yuan, along with an unidentified Filipino cohort. The alleged owner of the operation, named Jia, remains at large, according to officials from the CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and CIDG Olongapo City Field Unit.
The suspects now face charges for alleged violation of Article 18(a) of Republic Act No. 7394, also known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. This law prohibits deceptive sales practices and the distribution of goods without proper authorization, making this case a serious offense under Philippine consumer protection regulations.
Illegal Diversion and Economic Impact
The CIDG revealed that the electronic devices were assembled and refurbished inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, an area where all operations are strictly intended for exportation. However, instead of exporting the products as required, the suspects allegedly deliberately diverted these items to the local market. This action was purportedly done to evade the payment of proper taxes and duties, resulting in significant financial losses to the government.
Furthermore, this illegal diversion creates unfair competition that negatively affects legitimate local businesses. The suspects also lacked legal approval and authority from the National Telecommunications Commission to sell these items in the domestic market, compounding the legal violations. This case highlights ongoing issues with tax evasion and regulatory compliance in the electronics trade, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement to protect both consumers and the economy.
