Philippine NBI seizes fake DBTK streetwear in Pasay and Antipolo raids
At a glance
- NBI IP agents raided stores in Baclaran, Pasay City, and Masinag, Antipolo, under search warrants, ABS-CBN reported on 21 October.
- They seized nearly 3,000 pieces of counterfeit DBTK streetwear, estimated at over ₱3 million, after the brand owner’s complaint and test buys.
- Two Bangladeshi nationals were invited for questioning on possible importation; no arrests or charges have been reported.
The Intellectual Property Rights Division (IPRD) of the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation has seized nearly 3,000 pieces of counterfeit apparel bearing the trademark of local streetwear brand Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK), ABS-CBN News reported on 21 October. NBI operatives raided several stores in Baclaran, Pasay City, and Masinag, Antipolo, Rizal, under search warrants. The goods are estimated to be worth more than ₱3 million. [1]
The operation followed a complaint from DBTK’s trademark owner. NBI spokesperson Palmer Mallari said the agency first carried out surveillance and test buys, which confirmed that the stores were allegedly selling counterfeit DBTK apparel. [1]
Two Bangladeshi nationals were invited for questioning. Mallari said they “might be the ones who imported the products into the Philippines”, which is the angle investigators are looking at. The NBI said it is still working to establish where the apparel came from, trace its distribution network and identify any links to suppliers abroad. No arrests or charges have been reported. Anyone found responsible could face charges under the Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293). [1]
DBTK’s legal counsel, Ashley Rojo, said the company was “losing millions” because of the fakes and that they could confuse consumers about where to buy. She urged buyers to use the brand’s official website and authorised outlets. [1]
The point for brand owners is the route: a complaint backed by surveillance and test buys gave the NBI grounds for search warrants, and the IP division acted for a homegrown brand, not only for international rights holders. The import angle is still a working line of inquiry and says nothing yet about where the goods were made. Whether the questioning leads to charges, and against whom, is the next thing to watch.
Sources
- ABS-CBN News. NBI seizes over P3 million worth of counterfeit DBTK apparel in Pasay, Antipolo raids. Published 2026-10-21 20:40 Manila time. English. Byline: Zyann Ambrosio. Accessed 26 October 2026.
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