BOC, PCG to work with ports authority to monitor smuggling in private wharfs

CEBU, Philippines - Following reports that private wharfs are being used as entry points for smuggled goods, the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard are closely working with the Cebu Ports Authority which has jurisdiction over it.

Deputy Customs collector for operations, Paul Alcazaren, said they are coordinating with CPA to address the problem.

“We are willing to cooperate although CPA has primary jurisdiction over private ports,” Alcazaren said.

Alcazaren, however, said he has not monitored smuggled goods entering through private ports.

“So far, I have not received any information about smuggled goods entered through private ports,” he said.

CPA was created through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7621 signed on June 26, 1992 to specifically administer all ports located in Cebu Province.

Weniel Azcuna, chief of staff of PCG -Central Visayas, said that they are also supportive of CPA’s safety and security in various private ports. Azcuna said the PCG is providing canine dogs and some of its personnel to secure private wharf.

“We are tasked not just to watch over smuggled goods but most especially shipments that contained explosives,” Azcuna said.

The Cebu City government earlier called on concerned government agencies to look into the possibility that smuggled goods may have entered undetected through private ports.

Intelligence reports coming from the Cebu City Police Coordinating and Advisory Council revealed that private ports are not being monitored nor regulated.  (FREEMAN)