Customs intelligence chief denies Port Irene smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Customs intelligence chief on Friday denied allegations of large-scale smuggling activities at the Port of Irene in the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA). According to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) chief Dino Tuazon, no smuggling occurred at CEZA since it was created in 1995 under the Ramos administration. "I can assure you that there's no smuggling at the Port of Irene. Not motor vehicles, not even other commodities since CEZA was created," Tuazon told reporters in a briefing. The allegation that there was smuggling at the port was first raised by the American Chamber of Commerce or (Amcham) which came out with a report. In it, the group said that Port Irene has replaced the Subic Free port as the spot where luxury vehicles are illegally imported. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, whose son-in-law James Kocher manages the yard, denied the allegations, saying the employees of the free port make sure that there are no illegal operations there. "I’m the political leader there and I don’t want the government to be cheated," he said. He also challenged AmCham "to show a single case of smuggling," adding that Kocher "oversees" the area "to see to it that there’s no smuggling." Kocher, who was at a Senate briefing, confirmed meeting with some AmCham members three months ago, but claimed "they (AmCham members) did not find anything [illegal] there." On Friday, the customs intelligence chief said that given the remoteness of CEZA's location - about 600 kilometers away from Manila - smugglers would have to face risks ransporting the smuggle goods. "Why will I not smuggle there? The area is remote, it has no market. Transporting goods will be very dangerous for smugglers due to the risk of hijack," Tuason said. The CIIS chief also said that all motor vehicles coming out from the port have paid the correct duties and taxes. "We have coordinated with the CEZA, PASG (Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group) that before a vehicle is released from Port of Irene correct duties are being paid," Tuason said. Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales on Thursday had denied the alleged report of smuggling at the said port. "If there was smuggling, then they didn't pay duties and taxes. But the [importers] have paid and this port is a big help in our revenue collection," Morales said. The customs commissioner said that as far as their bureau is concerned, all vehicles arriving at the Port of Irene are being assessed of their book value plus duties and taxes. - GMANews.TV