The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Bureau Action Team Against Smugglers (BATAS), has filed smuggling charges against the trader and customs broker who allegedly misdeclared shipments containing P7.8 million worth of luxury cars.
Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the criminal complaint was filed against Julius D. Catalig owner of Juljerjac Trading with office address at Rm. 409, 4/F Madrigal Bldg., Escolta St., Brgy. 291, Zone 27, Binondo, Manila; and customs broker Rodrigo de Guzman with office address at 2F Royal Cargo Bldg., Sta. Agueda Ave., Pascor Sto. Niño, Parañaque City.
According to BATAS executive director Atty. Yasser Ismail Abbas, Juljerjac’s shipment was seized on September 13 for misdeclaring the contents as auto parts when it actually contained a used black Mercedes Benz, a used white Mercedez Benz, a wheel, and tires. The shipment arrived from Hong Kong on July 29.
Abbas, Atty. Nicy Encinas, and Atty. Anna Puzon led the filing of smuggling charges for violating Section 1400 (Misdeclaration, Misclassification, and Undervaluation in Goods Declaration) and Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation or Exportation) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“The strong evidence of misdeclaration and unlawful importation warrants the filing of criminal cases against the respondents,” Lapeña said in a statement.
The customs chief has ordered BATAS to speed up investigations on erring importers and customs brokers, and to file the necessary criminal complaints against found culprits.
Image courtesy of JanPietruszka at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
