BOC deputizes SRA, SASO vs. sugar smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has deputized officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Sugar Anti-Smuggling Office of the Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SASO) in the fight against sugar smuggling.

 

Customs Commissioner Alberto D. Lina signed Joint Memorandum Order No. 4-2002, authorizing SRA’s Luisito Malagkit and SASO’s Manuel Lamata and Edgard Lumanog to "act as industry-expert advisers of the Office of the Commissioner on matters that will help curtail sugar smuggling," the BOC said on Friday.

 

SRA and SASO earlier told Malacañang they were concerned by the recent cases of sugar smuggling in the country.

 

“The illicit trade of sugar has placed an increasing burden on Customs and the industry itself," said BOC Commissioner Alberto Lina.

 

"We recognize that in order to combat it more effectively, we need to work closely together with the experts in the industry through close co-operation and consultation, using information to zero in on smugglers," he added. – Jessica Bartolome/VS, GMA News