Video and music piracy is not rampant in the Western Visayas compared to other areas in the country, Region 6 Police Director Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., said yesterday.

Cruz said this a day after members of the Optical Media Board seized 30 sacks of pirated DVDs valued at about P4 million from three malls in Bacolod.

Under Section 19 of Republic Act 9239 or the Optical Media Board Act of 2003, the sale of pirated VCDs and CDs entails imprisonment of at least three years but not more than six years, and a fine of not less than P500, 000, but not exceeding P 1.5 million, at the discretion of the court.

Cruz said that while they are not deputized to confiscate pirated CDs and VCDs, the Philippine National Police especially in Region 6 is in close coordination with OMB chair Ronnie Rickets.

Cruz urged the public not to patronize pirated CDs and VCDs as this illegal activity kills the Philippine local movie and music industry. He added that buyers, sellers and manufacturers have equal liability under the law.

OMB Executive Director Cyrus Valenzuela said they failed to apprehend anybody because the vendors had already fled before they arrived at the malls.

Valenzuela said they will refer the confiscated items to the Department of Justice which will decide on how to proceed with the case.*APN

back to top