By Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, JAN. 21(PIA)--- The provincial office of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga del Norte has reiterated
the warning to the motorists against fake or unauthorized Import Commodity
Clearance (ICC) stickers for motorcycle helmets.
The
local DTI office issued the warning after reports have reached the regional
office that some unscrupulous individuals are trying to dupe motorists to buy
helmets with fake or unauthorized ICC stickers.
The
modus operandi was uncovered when a motorist, after being offered a helmet with
an ICC sticker at a very low price reported to the DTI office as he became
suspicious why it was sold at such a very low price. According to the motorist,
there are individuals selling ICC stickers for as much as P250.00 apiece.
However, said motorist declined to name the seller or sellers of said stickers.
DTI-9
Regional Director Nazrullah Manzur said that upon inspection, the ICC sticker
on the helmet appeared to be genuine. However, its serial number was discovered
not for helmets but for other products and therefore, still considered bogus.
“The
sticker may have been peeled off from the packaging of Christmas lights or
other imported products,” Manzur said.
Manzur
clarified that the DTI and the Land Transportation Office have a way of
checking the authenticity of the helmet stickers.
“The
ICC stickers were produced with a lot of imbedded security features to prevent
tampering. Those found guilty of altering, faking or replicating the ICC mark
would be fined up to P20,000.00,“ Manzur warned.
Manzur
also vehemently denied allegations that his office sells ICC stickers in
connivance with some merchants in the region.
“Please
understand that our office gave stickers for free from August to December 2012.
We did not sell them and I issue this challenge to anyone who could prove that
our office made money on those stickers,” Manzur stressed.
Here
in Dipolog City, Trade and Industry Development Specialist Victor Manigsaca of
local DTI office disclosed that their office has confiscated from a motorist a
helmet with questionable ICC sticker. However, he clarified that said helmet is
withheld while investigation is conducted on the authenticity of the attached
ICC sticker.(DTI/FPG/ATR/PIA9-Zambo
Norte)