Owner of seized yachts faces smuggling charges

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is set to file smuggling charges against the reported owner of two P20-million yachts allegedly illegally smuggled into the country from the United States.

Lawyer Julito Doria, BOC Certificate of Payment Centralized Clearing Center (CPCCC) chief, yesterday said charges would be filed against Restie Bicomong, said to be the owner of “Pleasure Yacht RDB” and “Pleasure Yacht VZR,’’ before the Department of Justice.

The vessels were confiscated by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and BOC personnel last July 8 at the bay side of a mall in Pasay City. Bicomong, whose name appeared on the vessels' certificate of ownership, claimed to be the vessels' caretaker.

BOC Deputy Commissioner Horacio Suansing Jr., head of the Enforcement Group, said forfeiture proceedings would be conducted for the yachts at the Port of Manila.

PCG commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo hoped that the vessels would be turned over to them because they are faster than any of their existing vessels and could be used in search and rescue operations.