ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is investigating the alleged involvement of its own people in rice smuggling here, Commissioner John Sevilla has said.
Sevilla cited reports that the BOC released smuggled rice from Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan that were intercepted by the police and military.
“It is clear that smuggling is happening here and we are investigating this… The mere fact that people can buy cheap rice here is an indicator that smuggling is happening,” he said.
The National Food Authority regional office said it has not issued any license or import permits to any rice importer in the region.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Port of Zamboanga deputy collector Aniceto Sanchez Jr. and examiner Solomon Sumpao for defrauding the government of P1.26 million in duties for the illegal importation of two luxury cars in 2006.
Records show that the import entries for the two luxury vehicles were for truck parts and plywood and only P61,205 and P62,545 in duties, taxes and other charges have been collected.
The ombudsman said it found evidence to prove that spurious import entries were used to secure the registration of the luxury vehicles without paying the appropriate taxes and duties.