Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has ordered all district collectors and enforcement commanders to swiftly seize smuggled goods as part of the bureau’s intensified anti-smuggling operations.
In a memorandum dated Nov. 22, Guerrero directed all district collectors, Enforcement and Security Service district commanders, and others concerned to promptly confiscate smuggled goods in a bid to curb unlawful import and export of goods.
The Customs chief told all district collectors to intensify the implementation of anti-smuggling measures in their ports.
“Ensure compliance on the directive that smuggled goods are swiftly seized and confiscated in coordination with the ESS operatives in your posts in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations,” Guerrero said in the order.
District collectors were also directed to “exercise highest form of diligence in checking documents to prevent technical smuggling, including counterchecking of the bills of lading stowage plans.”
Negligence of duty of any official or employee, Guerrero warned, with the mandate “shall be dealt accordingly.”
When Guerrero assume the post as Customs commissioner last month, he vowed to use the full extent of his powers to rid the bureau of corruption and stop smuggling as well as the infamous “tara” (grease money) system.
Recent back-to-back operations by Customs agents and military men in Zamboanga yielded around 55,000 sacks of rice worth R55 million and several cartons of cigarettes worth R4.9 million, all believed to be smuggled. (Betheena
Kae Unite)
