BOC files smuggling raps vs. Asian Terminals, importers

The Bureau of Customs on Saturday said it filed smuggling charges against ports operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) for allegedly conniving with several importers and customs brokers to illegally release 105 containers in the Port of Manila despite a standing alert order.

The BOC said charged were ATI assistant vice-president for South Harbor Operations Steve Realuyo and shift manager Darwin Dalmacio.

The ATI, meanwhile, declined to comment saying it has not yet seen a copy of the complaint.

Also charged were owners, officials and customs brokers of Premiere Oak Lumber & Wood Products Corp., Spectrum Highlands Marketing Corporation, Megaabundancesteel Indent Trading Corp., Abundancegain Indent Trading Corp., Paragon Platinum International Trading Corp. and Imperialfoods and Agricultural Prod.

“In the case of the 105 containers, the examinations were not conducted as the officers of the six corporations, with the assistance of their customs brokers and ATI all connived to secure the release of the containers from the ATI premises without the necessary examination,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.

As part of the protocol, all alerted shipments must be subjected to 100 percent examination before its release, according to the BOC.

It said that all 105 alerted containers were released by ATI without the required lifting order authorized by Lapeña.

Lapeña said the illegal withdrawal of the subject containers was a "blantant Sections 1401 (Unlawful Importation or Exportation) and Section 1424 (Removing Goods from Customs Custody) of the Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise known as Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.”

He said the shipments have a total dutiable value of P69,675,171.

“We will make sure that importers, brokers and arrastre operators who blatantly violated Customs rules and regulations will face legal action and revocation of Customs accreditation. The BOC shall remain vigilant and will continue to carry-on the fight against those who disrespect and disregard the rule of law,” Lapeña said.

“We will also make sure that after our thorough investigation, those BOC personnel who are proven to be connected to this incident will be charged accordingly. Despite this case filing, our investigation will continue. We are probing deeper. Everyone who is responsible for this shameful act must pay,” the Customs chief added. —Ted Cordero/ALG, GMA News