Authorities seize pirated CDs, replicating machines in Quiapo raid

(Updated 9:50 a.m.)At least seven replicating machines used to make copies of pirated video and music discs and several boxes of pirated discs were seized in a surprise raid in Manila's Quiapo district early Friday. The raid came barely four months after the city government declared an all-out war on piracy and kept the streets clear of pirated movie and music discs. Seized as well were at least 10 boxes of digital versatile discs (DVDs) and compact discs (CDs) believed to be of pirated movies and videos, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. Friday's raid occurred at San Agustin village in the Quiapo district, near the Pasig River. Optical Media Board operatives led by OMB chairman Ronnie Ricketts took part in the raid, backed up by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operatives of the Manila Police District. The report said the OMB team brought search warrants for replicating machines supposedly still in operation despite Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim's "all-out war" against piracy. Last July, the Manila city government started a campaign to rid the city's streets of pirated music CDs, video CDs and DVDs. — LBG, GMA News