PASG warns of massive smuggling this Christmas

MANILA, Philippines – The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) warned yesterday of possible massive smuggling of goods in demand during the Christmas season.

PASG chief Undersecretary Antonio Villar said he has received reports from his intelligence officers that “suspicious persons are doing the rounds at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Manila and talking with equally dubious persons who are often acting as go-between for some illegal transactions.”

“There are indications that smugglers of various items considered highly saleable during the Christmas season are out to perpetrate their illegal activities, even to the extent of bribing certain Customs officials they deem capable of facilitating the smooth entry of their hot goods,” Villar said in a statement.

“This means they (suspected smugglers) are out for something big. And logically, their target would be to take advantage of the coming Yuletide season in terms of their hot cargo,” he said.

PASG operations chief and National Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Edmund Arugay said canned goods, firecrackers, fruits and other food items are the favorite items smuggled into the country for Christmas.

Villar said he immediately called a meeting with his officials, particularly those from field offices in the province, warning that he will hold them responsible should smuggled items be slipped out of their respective jurisdictions.

“Let me warn these smugglers fair and square. You perpetrate your illegal activities for all I care. But we will be there closely watching you and making the arrest if it so warrants,” he said.

Smugglers who want to take advantage of the Christmas season usually intensify their moves with the arrival of the so-called “ber” months – September, October, November and December, he said.

Arugay said he has assembled a team to enforce the PASG’s right to spot check all warehouses suspected as fronts for smuggling.

Villar, on the other hand, assured the public that the “PASG would try to lessen smuggling activities so the government can collect additional taxes needed for projects aimed at addressing various concerns, foremost of which is to alleviate poverty in the country.”