CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Dispelling rumors of a “turf war” in connection with the seizure of some P420 million worth of imported rice, officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have vowed to work closely together to curb all forms of smuggling in the Subic Bay Freeport.
In a press conference here over the weekend, SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia and Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the two agencies see eye-to-eye as far as the implementation of Customs and tariff laws are concerned.
“Contrary to what has been reported, there is no truth to allegations that there is a turf war between the BOC and the SBMA,” Biazon said. “We are in close cooperation and coordination.”
For his part, Garcia said that in the disposition of seized shipments, the BOC holds sway because the SBMA simply stands as freeport manager.