OMB to donate thousands of seized laptops, desktop computers

Optical Media Board (OMB) said it would donate thousands of desktop computers and laptops seized by operatives in a warehouse raid in Marilao, Bulacan.

The operatives raided the warehouse, and there they discovered the stacked computers that were still in the box.

Computers with adjacent new stickers of various brands seem to be refurbished or used to put on units and make them look new.

“Pinapalitan nila na parang bagong operating system [they are replacing it with a new operating system],” said Christian Natividad, OMB chairman.

About 5,000 desktop computers were confiscated, and 8,000 refurbished laptops were recovered.

In the initial investigation, the alleged smuggled products came from Korea, Japan, and China.

But if the confiscated products were previously crushed, OMB intends to donate them to students who cannot afford gadgets for distance learning.

Up to P200 million worth of confiscated computers is expected to be donated.

The warehouse operator and those behind the alleged smuggling are facing various cases.

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OMB arrests Chinese national

Meanwhile, the OMB also apprehended a Chinese national last week during an enforcement operation in Manila.

“Agents of the Enforcement and Investigation Division of the OMB conducted an enforcement operation in Carriedo, Manila, which led to the confiscation of assorted storage media devices being sold by business establishments unlicensed by the agency. The seized items, most of which were pre-downloaded with music and films amount to an estimated street value of Php1,527,000.00,” it reported on its website.

The operation also led to the arrest of “Lin Quingqun,” a Chinese national selling storage media devices containing copyrighted content. It was further discovered that Mr. Quingqun is holding an expired tourist ID card issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

“Engaging in businesses or activities such as distribution or sale of any storage media devices without securing the necessary license and permits from OMB is a violation of Republic Act no. 9239, otherwise known as the Optical Media Act of 2003,” it added.

The arrested Chinese national is facing administrative and criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 9239. If found guilty, he will face maximum imprisonment of up to six (6) years and a fine of up to P1.5 million per violation.