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Advocates Philippines
Bureau Of Customs Seizes P519 Million Worth Of Rice Grains And Palay In Crackdown On Smuggling
Photo credit: BOC
In response to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s call for intensified efforts against rice smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) carried out a successful operation on August 30, 2023. The operation, conducted in various warehouses across Bulacan province, led to the discovery of an estimated P519 million worth of rice grains and "palay."
The BOC Inspection Team meticulously examined four warehouses located in Wakas, Bocaue, and San Juan, Balagtas, all situated in Bulacan. The inspection revealed a total of 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains and 60,000 sacks of "palay."
The imported rice grains, hailing from Vietnam and Pakistan, were valued at approximately P431 million. Meanwhile, the 60,000 sacks of "palay" were estimated to be worth P88 million.
Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC's commitment to the directive set by President Marcos Jr.: "Yesterday, we had a sectoral meeting with the President, who gave a clear directive about how we can help stop the rising cost of rice in the market. So, this is our answer to that order. We have just discovered four warehouses storing rice grains and palay, and if the owners of these warehouses fail to show proper documents that they legitimately imported the subject sacks of rice and paid correct duties and taxes thereon, then we will take immediate legal action and confiscate the items here."
The inspection team was composed of key figures including Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso, and representatives from the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana.
Notable political figures, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representatives Erwin Tulfo, Wilfrido Mark Enverga, and Ambrosio Cruz Jr., also witnessed the inspection.
The BOC Inspection Team acted swiftly based on derogatory information received about the warehouses, leading to the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) for inspection. The team's dedication stems from the understanding that their actions directly impact agricultural workers, farmers, and everyday citizens who rely on affordable food.
According to Enciso, the recent operation's "impressive results" should fuel the bureau's determination to eliminate rice smuggling entirely. He called for continued efforts to bring smugglers to justice.
At present, the warehouses have been temporarily padlocked and sealed. Customs examiners, along with representatives from CIIS, PCG, and the warehouses, are overseeing the inventory process of the stored goods.
The BOC's authority to conduct such inspections is rooted in Chapter 2, Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The BOC Inspection Team meticulously examined four warehouses located in Wakas, Bocaue, and San Juan, Balagtas, all situated in Bulacan. The inspection revealed a total of 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains and 60,000 sacks of "palay."
The imported rice grains, hailing from Vietnam and Pakistan, were valued at approximately P431 million. Meanwhile, the 60,000 sacks of "palay" were estimated to be worth P88 million.
Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC's commitment to the directive set by President Marcos Jr.: "Yesterday, we had a sectoral meeting with the President, who gave a clear directive about how we can help stop the rising cost of rice in the market. So, this is our answer to that order. We have just discovered four warehouses storing rice grains and palay, and if the owners of these warehouses fail to show proper documents that they legitimately imported the subject sacks of rice and paid correct duties and taxes thereon, then we will take immediate legal action and confiscate the items here."
The inspection team was composed of key figures including Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso, and representatives from the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Task Force Aduana.
Notable political figures, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representatives Erwin Tulfo, Wilfrido Mark Enverga, and Ambrosio Cruz Jr., also witnessed the inspection.
The BOC Inspection Team acted swiftly based on derogatory information received about the warehouses, leading to the issuance of Letters of Authority (LOAs) for inspection. The team's dedication stems from the understanding that their actions directly impact agricultural workers, farmers, and everyday citizens who rely on affordable food.
According to Enciso, the recent operation's "impressive results" should fuel the bureau's determination to eliminate rice smuggling entirely. He called for continued efforts to bring smugglers to justice.
At present, the warehouses have been temporarily padlocked and sealed. Customs examiners, along with representatives from CIIS, PCG, and the warehouses, are overseeing the inventory process of the stored goods.
The BOC's authority to conduct such inspections is rooted in Chapter 2, Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Aug 31, 2023
