Consignee of seized guns does not exist

CEBU, Philippines - Bureau of Customs district collector Ronnie Silvestre yesterday issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the estimated P3.5-million worth of smuggled gun spare parts from the United States that were declared as “household personal effects”.

The warrant was issued as the said shipment, together with six dismantled big bikes, were misdeclared and is therefore considered a prohibited importation.

Silvestre said that based on reports from Enforcement and Security Service district commander Camilo Cascolan Jr. yesterday, the supposed consignee, Renato Ramos of 1513 J. Rizal St., Cebu City, was found to be fictitious.

 “The name is fictitious as well as the address,” Silvestre said.

But Silvestre said since the broker, Rafael Rubio, is an accredited Customs broker, the latter will be facing an investigation.

Rubio, in a separate interview, said that he is willing to cooperate in the investigation contending that he is just a “signing broker” and he has no direct involvement in the said shipment.

“Igo ra man ko gipa-sign sa direct contact sa importer. Based on documents, personal effects ra man ang gi-declare. Wa ko’y idea nga naa’y parts sa mga pusil,” Rubio said.

Rubio identified the direct contact as a certain Nelson Arnoco, reportedly a processor of documents but not an employee of the bureau.

Arnoco, according to a Customs official, is like a middleman who processes documents.

Among the items confiscated were 1,080 pieces of M16 parts, 294 empty shells with primer, 100 pieces of 9mm lead, 100 pieces of .45 cal. lead, 997 pieces of .30 cal. lead, and 10 pieces of butt stock, used chairs, sofas, toys, picture frames, wall decor and stuffed toys.

The shipment arrived in a 40-foot container van at the Port of Cebu last November 3. It was opened and inventoried only the other day.   (FREEMAN)