P5 M suspected smuggled fruits, vegetables uncovered in Manila – -BOC
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday reported the discovery of P5 million worth of suspected smuggled fruits and vegetables during inspections on Tuesday of warehouses in Manila.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the operation was in response to complaints by traders in Benguet who claimed that smuggled vegetables caused low sales even during the peak Christmas and New Year holiday season.
“We assure you that we are going after these groups, and we are being diligent in prosecuting them so they cannot victimize our hard-working farmers again. This is why we are committed as ever to come after these smuggling groups—it is our farmers, our economy, and our consumers that we aim to protect with these operations,” Rubio said.
The BOC’s inspection team found the smuggled vegetables in three warehouses in Manila – two in Binondo and one in San Nicolas.
The Binondo warehouses had P3 million worth of goods, while the San Nicolas warehouse had P2 million worth of goods.According to Customs Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, the BOC will prosecute and penalize the perpetrators if found guilty.
“I believe I speak here for everyone when I say we are equally frustrated by reports from farmers and traders that their Christmas sales were severely impacted by smuggling. Anti-smuggling operations go through a long and rigorous process, but this process also ensures we will put these perpetrators in courts and behind bars,” he said.
The agency added that owners of the warehouses will be given 15 days to present documents to clear smuggling allegations.
