BOC further steps up anti-smuggling drive
BENT on helping the government generate funds for its social assistance and development programs, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has further intensified its campaign against smuggling.
According to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the agency will strengthen its border patrol in order to intercept incoming contraband products.
“BOC continues to strengthen its border protection measures to guard the public welfare against smuggled contraband and to prevent revenue leakages caused by illegal importation,” Rubio said.
BOC Water Patrol Division (WPD) agents were recently able to intercept in the Davao Coast within the territorial waters of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur a motorized banca that was supposed to smuggle into the country 25,000 reams of cigarettes worth P19 million.
Meanwhile, over in Zamboanga, joint elements of the BOC-Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and PNP 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2nd ZCMFC) caught another boat carrying 141 master cases of cigarettes worth P4.9 million. The boat came from Jolo, Sulu and was on its way to Zamboanga City.
The respective crews of the two boats failed to present the necessary documents for the entry of the cigarettes.
“The BOC ensures the stringent implementation of our anti-smuggling campaign along our national borders. We remain adamant in our efforts to fight smuggling every day and around the clock,” Commissioner Rubio said.
It was also reported that the Bureau’s Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS) of the BOC has filed cases against three alleged illegal importers of sugar.
“Our continuous filing of criminal complaints against perpetrators of illegal importation manifests our commitment to end smuggling,” added Commissioner Rubio.
Between Jan.1 and March 17, the BOC has filed 45 agri-related criminal complaints against importers and customs brokers that have been linked to smuggling.
