BOC probes pilferage of seized high-end electronics

MANILA, Philippines - A team tasked by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to investigate the alleged pilferage of seized high-end electronic equipment has subpoenaed seven Customs personnel and a broker to shed light in the investigation.

BOC-Internal Inquiry and Prosecution Division (IIPD) chief Willie Sarmiento said yesterday he has already sent out summons for Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service operations chief Eric Albano and his deputy Mitchell Verdeflor, CIIS agent Jover Jordan, Enforcement and Security Service personnel Erwin Catabay and Alfredo Adao, warehouseman Pedro Revecho, Port of Manila examiner Noemi Mendoza, and Customs brokerage representative Raul Marasigan. They have until March 15 to submit their testimonies.

“We will give them enough time to explain their side. We’re not saying they were already guilty, that’s why we’re conducting an investigation,” Sarmiento said.

The IIPD will look into reports that 50-inch plasma TV sets; several boxes of Nikon single reflex (SLR) cameras, JVC car stereos and G-shock Casio watches; Sony Portable Play Stations; Panasonic wireless phones and DKNY and Bulgari perfumes were allegedly taken from the Warehouse 159 in the South Harbor.

The items were part of a shipment seized by CIIS operatives last Feb. 10. The shipment arrived at the Port of Manila on Feb. 3 on board the vessel Sinotrans Shanghai. It was consigned to Quick Flo Trading and exported by Jamraj Enterprises of Singapore.

Albano earlier denied the items were missing and allegedly said they took them as samples to show during hearings in case the BOC files charges against the consignee.

BOC chief Napoleon Morales said there is no need to withdraw items in bulk from a warehouse since only one of each item is needed to file charges against the consignee. – Evelyn Macairan