NAIA customs officer, couple nabbed for ‘smuggling’ 1.9-kilogram gold jewelry

A customs officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and two others were arrested for attempting to smuggle into the country 1.9 kilograms of gold jewelry last week.

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Isidro Lapeña identified those arrested as NAIA Customs Operations Officer V Lomontod Macabando and couple Abraham Mimbalawag and Bang-sa Mimbalawag.

Lapeña said the three were arrested at the NAIA Terminal 3 based on a tip from a customs examiner who noticed the alleged smuggling attempt.

He said that the unidentified customs examiner noticed the two Mimbalawags, who had just arrived from Dubai via a Cebu Pacific Air flight, handing over a black clutch bag to Macabando, who "hurried walked towards the exit of the Customs Arrival Area" of the NAIA Terminal 3 on May 5.

Lapeña said BOC personnel attempted to block Macabando, but the suspect was able to escape. Macabando was eventually apprehended by airport security guads and the police in the same area.

While the apprehension of Macabando was ongoing, the Mimbalawags were brought to the customs arrival area, where they admitted owning the black clutch bag.

Upon actual inspection, customs officers found from the clutch bag 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 Mimbalawags did not declare the contents of the clutch bag, Lapeña said.

He said the two Mimbalawags and Macabando were arrested after the discovery of the smuggled jewelry and underwent inquest proceedings the following day, May 6, at the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office.

The three were released the same day, but are facing smuggling complaints complaints.

Lapeña said he has ordered the BOC's Intelligence and Investigation Service to determine Macabando's possible administration violations. —ALG, GMA News