OMB hauls 90 sacks of pirated DVDs
A RAID by operatives of the Optical Media Board (OPB) on shops in Dagupan and street vendors selling pirated digital video discs (DVD) on April 6 almost dampened enthusiasm in the Bangus Festival 2011 as some of those raided were exhibitors of the festival trade fair.
The raid netted a total of 90 sacks of pirated DVDs, estimated to be worth P2.5 million.
At least 50 sacks came from Malimgas Market and the rest from vendors who were participating in the Bangus Festival Trade located in different parts of the city, including along Galvan Street and at the first floor of the Mac Adore building.
The raided vendors raised a howl of protest, criticizing the OMB for picking on small-time vendors like them instead of going after the manufacturers of the pirated DVDs in Quiapo, Manila.
The vendors admitted they sourced the pirated DVDs at the barter trade center in Quiapo, and some were even obtained on loan basis.
The vendors cried that they paid P35,000 to the trade fair organizer for a 40-day use of the stalls only to be closed down two days before the official start of the Bangus Festival.
Others said they will demand for a return of their advanced payment from the organizers.
Officials of the Bangus Festival, however, were quick to point out that the trade fair is organized by an independent group, which is not part of the festival’s executive committee.
The raiders, meanwhile, said the raid was carried out under the order of OMB Chairman Ronnie Ricketts.
SAN CARLOS
A simultaneous raid was conducted in San Carlos City where preparations for the Mango and Bamboo Festival, set to start on April 24, are ongoing.
All the seized DVDs were loaded in a truck and brought to OMBs office in Manila.
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