Cars, P2M worth of used tires seized

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs Enforcement and Security Service-Customs Police Division has confiscated P2 million worth of used tires and two vehicles from Singapore shipped to Cebu allegedly without clearance.

In the Warrant of Seizure and Detention issued by BOC District Collector Ricardo Belmonte, the shipment of the seized items violated Executive Order No. 156 and Central Bank 1389 in relation to DTI-BIS Rules and Regulations.

The shipment with the used tires arrived on August 9, 2009 on board the Chana Bhum from Singapore. It was consigned to Jarosdan Auto Parts Surplus based in San Roque, Talisay City.

Customs Police District Commander Jerry Arizabal issued an alert order on the shipment last August 10, 2009 to conduct a spot check and stripping. Shipment of used tires is prohibited.

In his first endorsement to Belmonte dated August 17, 2009, Arizabal said the alleged owner, Danielene Mae Nacario Villegas, was duly informed of the status of the shipment through her sister Daisy Mae Migallos but the latter reportedly said her sister verbally denied ownership of the shipment. It was then presumed that the consignee’s name was fictitious.

“Perusal on the Foreign Inward Manifest, it appears that it was declared as used tires, which the importation of the same is prohibited and ipso facto be forfeited in favor of the government,” Arizabal stated.

Arizabal then recommended for the issuance of a WSD on the shipment.

Meanwhile, the seized Renault Kangoo and Opel Corsa were among those inside a 1X40 container van, which also contained household goods and personal effects.

The said shipment arrived at the Port of Cebu last month also aboard Chana Bhum. It was consigned to one Christopher Lee but were found to have no clearance from the Bureau of Import Services.

Belmonte subsequently ordered Arizabal to seize the two vehicles and turn them over to the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division for custody.

The two units were seized in favor of the government for lack of clearance but the personal effects will be released upon payment of duties and taxes. —Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)