NBI-Cebu helps build smuggling case

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO) played a key role in the filing of criminal complaints against 13 individuals, including members of a prominent Cebu family, over their alleged involvement in the smuggling of ?13 billion worth of cigarettes from China.

The NBI filed criminal complaints on Monday for violation of Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which penalizes agricultural smuggling and related offenses.

The respondents include Calvin Boniface Gothong, Clement Bryan Gothong, Liza Gothong, Chad Benedict Gothong, Lili Gothong, Karen Joy Betasolo, Rose Marie Trilles, Jomar Demos, James Gabriel Verallo, Henry Lim Co and Ted Lim Chan, along with two other still-unidentified individuals.

Outgoing NBI-Cebu District Office agent-in-charge Arnel Pura said the Cebu office was responsible for gathering witness statements and documentary evidence linking a key facilitator to the alleged smuggling operation.

Pura said investigators secured witness affidavits and documented the seizure of the shipments at Gothong Wharf in Mandaue City.

He confirmed that the Cebu office jointly transmitted the complaint to the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the NBI Manila office, following the directive of NBI Director Melvin Matibag.

Pura personally signed the transmittal letter covering the Cebu seizure, while the NBI Manila office, particularly its Special Action Unit, handled the case build-up involving the other shipment.

"Our contribution was that we were able to link Verallo…as one of the respondents in this case," Pura said.

He clarified that it was the affidavit of the trucking company owner, rather than Verallo's own statement, that helped establish the latter's alleged role in the operation.

According to Pura, Verallo acted as the facilitator who transacted with the trucking company to arrange the transport of the containers to Gothong Wharf.

"Bale si Verallo, ang established doon, siya ang nakig-transact sa tracking company... Ang tracking company, based from our investigation, they are just doing their share of business ba," said Pura.

He said the trucking company appeared to be carrying out its regular business operations, while Verallo allegedly facilitated the arrangements and transactions involving the shipment on behalf of an owner whose identity remains unknown.

Regarding the involvement of individuals associated with Gothong Lines, Pura recalled that two office employees and another employee assigned to the port yard were among those included in the complaint. Verallo and several individuals identified only as John Does were also named as respondents.

Two other respondents, Henry Lim Co and Ted Lim Chan, were included based on information obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) concerning the ownership of the companies named as consignees of the shipments.

Pura said investigators verified the ownership information through DTI records, which identified the two individuals as owners of the companies listed as consignees. However, he said the NBI still needs to establish whether the names correspond to legitimate existing entities or fictitious identities.

The 59 containers seized at Gothong Wharf remain at the port under 24-hour security provided by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Pura said.

He added that the BOC had requested the transfer of the containers to its own port area to ease the burden on personnel assigned to guard the shipments around the clock.

In a statement, Gothong Southern clarified that it is not currently the subject of any investigation in connection with the reported transportation of foreign cigarettes allegedly in violation of customs regulations.

The company said it respects due process and the authorities' role in establishing the facts.

"As your partner for growth, Gothong Southern remains committed to transparent, fair, and responsible trade, and to moving the economy forward with honesty, accountability, and integrity," the company said.- (CEBU NEWS)