ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BoC) will strengthen its manpower to address the rampant smuggling activities in this city.
Customs Commission Isidro Lapeña made this announcement here on Wednesday after the Coastguard Southwestern Mindanao District has turned over to the BoC the more than PhP100 million worth of confiscated smuggled rice.
Lapeña said they will intensify the campaign in bid to eliminate, if not lessen, smuggling activities in this part of the country.
“Smuggling is doing so much damage to the economy of the country. It is undermining legitimate businesses,” Lapeña said.
He said there is a need to strengthen the anti-smuggling campaign to protect legitimate businesses that pays the correct taxes, which is the bloodline of the country.
“These (taxes) is where the government get funds for its projects and programs,” he said.
He said an in-depth investigations will be conducted to determine ownership of the seized smuggled rice shipment that was turned over to them.
Capt. Ronnie Gil Gavan, Coastguard District Southwestern Mindanao commander, said the cargo vessel, M/V J-Phia, loaded with some 60,000 sacks of rice was intercepted around 9:30 a.m. Sunday 25 nautical miles southwest of Olutanga island.
Gavan said the PCG elements aboard BRP-Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) were conducting maritime security patrol when they intercepted the boat-load of rice. Each sacks contain 50 kilos rice.
“Since it is imported, we turned over to the customs,” he added.
The boat is anchored at the local port. The confiscated rice remain aboard the vessel. (PNA)
