Customs files raps vs alleged smugglers behind missing container vans

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice smuggling charges against the suspects behind the alleged smuggling of 1,910 cargo vans that supposedly defrauded government of P240 million in potential revenues. The cargo vans, which contained general merchandise, were supposed to be brought from the Port of Manila to the Batangas Port between May and June this year. But to date, the vans remain unaccounted for. In its first transshipment-related complaint filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the BOC named the following as respondents: Loida Jalimao, proprietress and manager of Sea Eagle Trading; Lolita Clarin, proprietress and manager of LCN Trading; and Cecille San Diego, proprietress and manager of Moncelian Enterprises. "There is reason to believe that the transshipped imported goods were diverted by the accused and their cohorts to evade payments of customs duties and taxes, in palpable violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines and other related laws," said Customs commissioner Angelito Alvarez at a news briefing at the DOJ. Also named as respondents were Customs brokers Arceli Arellano, Merlyne Reyes, and Diosdado Bagon. Eight of Bagon's employees were also on the charge sheet. GMA News Online tried but failed to reach importers Sea Eagle Trading, LCN Trading, and Moncelian Enterprises for their comments. Missing cargo vans The missing 1,910 cargo vans were part of the 2,219 transshipped containers by the three importers. However, only 309 were received by the Batangas District Office, and that the signatures attesting that the 1,910 vans made it to the Batangas Port were fabricated. Alvarez said this resulted in loss of government revenue in duties and taxes "which should have been collected had the missing containers actually arrived in, received by, and assessed at the Port of Batangas." The Customs chief added that documents submitted by shipping lines and freight forwarders showed security fees as well as full refunds for the missing containers were demanded. "Said transactions undeniably prove that the consignees were in possession of the unaccounted containers and that they directly participated in, and benefited from, the fraudulent importations," he added. House probe The controversy over the missing transshipped vans was first brought to light during an inquiry of the House of Representatives’ ways and means committee. Opposition lawmakers like Zambales Rep. Milagros "Mitos" Magsaysay later called for Alvarez's resignation for his alleged failure to prevent the cargo from being smuggled. In the House proceedings, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas quoted sources as saying that a certain Boy Valenzuela diverted the lost cargo to supermarket chain Puregold, which denied receiving ill-gotten shipment. On Thursday, Alvarez said Valenzuela was not yet included in the charges filed with the DOJ because his name did not appear in the records of the consignees implicated in the alleged smuggling of the vans. "The name could not be found in import entry declarations. That's the reason why it is stated that with the filing of cases, somebody supposed to be the least guilty will come out and point to us the real brains behind this syndicate," said Alvarez. — LBG, GMA News