3 firms, 2 men charged with smuggling

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday filed charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against three firms and two persons for allegedly smuggling vehicles, machinery, and gun parts and accessories worth P21.6 million into the country last year.

Car dealer LG Miranda Transport Services, reportedly owned by Lilibeth Miranda, was accused of attempting to smuggle a 2007 Hummer, a 2007 Lincoln Navigator, a 2008 Cadillac Escalade, and three 2007 Cadillac Escalades. The shipment, worth P18 million, was seized at the Manila International Container Port on June 20, 2011.

The three other shipments were seized at the Port of Cebu last year.

Junimer Talara and Jay Marigomen of Junta Trading were accused of trying to smuggle a used metal and woodworking machine, six used motorcycles and a motorcycle engine last Nov. 8. The shipment is valued at P1.2 million.

Renato Ramos and Rafael Rubio were charged for declaring as used household goods a shipment that turned out to be gun parts, accessories, bullets, and six dismantled motorcycles worth P1.5 million last Nov. 3.

Nazario Canono, Tirso Otar, Warren Dy and Miguel Panis – all officials of D’ Golden House Trading – face charges for smuggling gun parts and accessories, radio transceivers and other goods last Nov. 23. – Evelyn Macairan, Lawrence Agcaoili