Latest news with #CustomsModernizationandTariffAct
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Filipino Times
Customs intercepts smuggled onions worth P2M hidden in noodle boxes
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cagayan de Oro, intercepted an estimated 25,500 kilograms of red onions concealed in boxes of egg noodles from China, worth around P2 million. The shipment arrived on May 26 at the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. It was declared to contain egg noodles, frozen croissant dough, frozen dough buns, pizza dough, and spring rolls. On June 11, the BOC conducted a spot-check inspection following a tip from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry regarding suspected misdeclared agricultural products. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the smuggled products, per Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and other applicable regulations, according to BOC. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who led the inspection of the seized shipment, confirmed that similar containers from the same company were intercepted earlier in Manila. 'There were similar containers from the same company that were intercepted in Manila, so we traced them and alerted all ports to monitor any containers from this company coming from China. Thanks to the BOC, we were able to intercept this shipment. This is a warning to agricultural smugglers, we will not stop going after you. We will file the appropriate cases,' he said. The Department of Agriculture said the seized onions will undergo laboratory testing to determine whether they are safe for donation or require disposal. Legal proceedings will follow as part of the enforcement process. 'We owe it to our farmers, consumers, and the nation to ensure that no smuggled agricultural product makes it to our markets. Our continued partnership with the DA is key to fulfilling this duty,' said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DOF OKs donation of seized gasoline to PCG
The Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday it has approved the donation of 1,251.68 liters of seized gasoline to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a statement, the DOF said Finance Secretary Ralph Recto gave the thumbs up for the donation of seized fuel to the PCG in 'support the country's maritime safety and security operations.' The 1,251.68 liters of gasoline were forfeited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) pursuant to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) for violating fuel marking regulations. Fuel marking, which involves injecting chemical identifiers into tax-paid oil products, is being carried out under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act to curb the smuggling of petroleum products. The donation of the seized gasoline was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 'directive to intensify the fight against smuggling and strengthen national security.' 'This donation not only shows our commitment to bolstering our defense sector, but is a clear warning to all businesses that any illicit act will not go unpunished. Hinding hindi namin palalampasin ang anumang panlalamang at iligal na gawain (We will not tolerate illegal activities),' said Recto. Section 1141 of the CMTA authorizes the donation of goods subject to disposition to another government agency, upon the approval of the Secretary of Finance, according to the DOF. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
24-06-2025
- GMA Network
8 nabbed, P20M alleged smuggled cigarettes seized in MisOr
Eight people were arrested and alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P20 million were seized in Manticao, Misamis Oriental. Personnel of the Manticao Municipal Police Station launched the operation after receiving information about alleged contraband items getting unloaded from a fishing vessel, known locally as 'kompit,' in Barangay Punta Silum. Authorities allegedly caught the suspects in the act of unloading boxes of cigarettes along the seawall. During the search, authorities discovered more contraband items inside a truck van parked near the area. Police seized around 500 cases of cigarettes, the fishing vessel, and the truck. The suspects arrested are residents of Manticao, Zamboanga City, and Iligan City. They may face charges for alleged violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), Graphic Health Warning Law (RA 10643), and Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (R.A. 12022). Based on investigation, the alleged smuggled cigarettes reportedly came from Basilan and were transported to Manticao. 'This successful operation is a clear demonstration of our continued efforts to secure our borders and uphold the law. I commend the operating units for a job well done. Let us remain steadfast in our mission to protect the public from the dangers of illicit trade,' Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, said.
GMA Network
21-06-2025
- GMA Network
BOC seizes more than 250k liters of smuggled fuel in La Union
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) impounded a tanker with around P219.5 million worth of smuggled fuel in La Union. On Saturday, the BOC said the operation was conducted following reports of a 'paihi' modus, or illegal fuel transfer, at the La Union Port. 'The MT Bernadette was in the process of transferring diesel fuel to a lorry truck when our team apprehended them at around 9:45 in the evening of June 19. Two lorry trucks were found containing diesel fuel from the motor tanker,' BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services Director Verne Enciso said. The BOC said initial inventory showed there were 200,000 liters of diesel fuel, with an additional 59,000 liters of fuel in two lorry trucks. Ten crew members on board the vessel were unable to show legal justification for their activity. In addition to the crew members, authorities apprehended 11 other individuals who served as drivers, porters, lookouts, and accomplices. The owners, ship captain, and crew of the MT Bernadette and lorry trucks, and the owner of the seized diesel fuel will face administrative and criminal charges for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-06-2025
- GMA Network
Almost P8M worth of kush seized in Pasay mail hub — BOC
Authorities intercepted 5.7 kilos of kush with a street value of P7.9 million during a routine inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Monday. BOC said the illegal narcotic, a high-grade variant of marijuana, was found to be concealed within ten parcels, which were flagged for irregularities during x-ray screening and inspected by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. The kush has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further case build up. 'We understand the dangers illegal drugs bring to our families and neighborhoods,' Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement. 'That's why we're stepping up inspections, working closely with other agencies, and using every tool we have to stop these substances before they reach our communities,' he added. Authorities are now tracking down the intended recipients. According to Customs, those involved could face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. It added the CMEC has long been a key entry point for drug shipments hidden in parcels. 'Our officers remain alert 24/7. This interception is proof of what a united front against smuggling can accomplish,' District Collector Yasmin Mapa said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News
