Blatant smuggling by CDO trader bared

Despite the string of cases filed against it by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), a Cagayan De Oro City-based trading company has the arrogance to continue engaging in smuggling activities at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

This was the accusation made by Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Cagayan de Oro port officer-incharge Alvin Enciso as he bared that New Dawn Enterprises tried to illegally import 46 containers of plywood last January.

“The shipment was misdeclared as phenolic board since it doesn’t require an ICC (Import Commodity Clearance),” Enciso said yesterday.

He said that New Dawn Enterprises did not obtain import permit and registration from the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and clearance from the country’s Wood Producers Association.

It is the Bureau of Product StandardsDepartment of Trade and Industry (BPSDTI) that issues ICC for plywood shipment which should be allowed entry in Philippine ports.

Estimates showed that the intercepted plywood shipment from China was worth P60 million.

BOC may delist New Dawn Enterprises from its accredited importers transacting with the agency for its continued unlawful violation of Customs laws and regulations.

BOC already charged the importing firm twice before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in previous months for its illegal importation of rice and agricultural products last year.

Customs authorities in CDO have been making headway in its relentless campaign against smuggling.

Just last year, port collector Claudia Alameda issued 59 warrants of seizure and detention on various shipments. Among these were glutinous rice, carrots, garlic, used clothing, potatoes, plywood, and motor vehicles.