MANILA — The Bureau of Customs has criminally charged one of its personnel assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and two others for allegedly conspiring to smuggle 1.9 kilos of jewelry worth PHP3 million.
Commissioner Isidro Lapeña identified the suspects as NAIA Customs Operations Officer V Lomontod Macabando assigned at the Arrival Area of NAIA Terminal 3, Abraham Mimbalawag and Bang-sa Mimbalawag, who were arrested by the Customs agents on May 5.
The BOC filed charges of violation of Sections 1401 (Unlawful Importation or Exportation), 1402 (Failure or Refusal of Party to Give Evidence or Submit Documents for Assessment), and 1404 (Failure to Declare Baggage) in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Grave Coercion under Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code, before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
Lapeña also ordered the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) to investigate administrative violations of Macabando, particularly Section 1431 (Statutory Offenses of Officers and Employees) of the CMTA for colluding with spouses Malimbawag to defraud customs revenue.
BOC reports revealed that Abraham and Bang-sa arrived at Terminal 3, Port of NAIA on board Cebu Pacific Air Flight No. 5J015 from Dubai on May 5, 2018.
Customs authorities conducted 100% examination of the duo’s bag, which yielded 24 pieces of rings, 1,029 pairs of earrings, 155 pieces of pendants, 5 pieces of earrings with pendants, 19 pieces of bangles, 295 pieces of chains, and 101 pieces of bracelets.
The BOC-NAIA reported that the bag owner failed to declare the importation and provide required commercial documents or invoice, thus, the suspects’ arrest.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the subject jewelry was issued on May 7 by NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan pursuant to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the CMTA.
The three suspects underwent inquest proceedings before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office on May 6.
They were released on the same day after being detained at the ESS-Port of NAIA Detention Facility upon a release order from the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office , which scheduled the preliminary investigation of the case on May 15 and 22. (PNA)
