House probe on car smuggling via Ozamiz port pushed

MANILA, Philippines - Misamis Occidental second district Rep. Henry Oaminal and Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. said they would support an investigation into the alleged car smuggling at the Port of Ozamiz reported earlier this month.

Oaminal told The STAR he would file a resolution calling for the investigation should current efforts to look into the allegation leads to nowhere.

“We do not know any businessman here involved in the alleged smuggling,” he said, adding that the negative report could put to waste their efforts to promote Ozamiz as a investment haven and tourist destination.

“We are familiar with our businessmen here and the nature of their businesses,” Oaminal said, reiterating that he has no knowledge of the alleged car smuggling activities involving Customs personnel and a consignee.

He said he has called on local officials of the Philippine Ports Authority and the Bureau of Customs to shed light on the report.

Oaminal said he met with Gov. Herminia Ramiro and Parojinog after the report came out and that in their consultations, no local businessman cropped up as being involved in the smuggling of brand new cars that came from abroad.

For his part, Parojinog said he was surprised by the report considering that the Port of Ozamiz is not an international port, but added that he would support an investigation to clear up the issue.

Oaminal said his resolution could be taken up after Congress opens its regular session on July 28.