Rice found in shipment of “tiles”

CEBU, Philippines — At least 71 container vans at the Cebu International Port loaded with smuggled rice and ceramic tiles are due for forfeiture in favor of the government.

Yesterday, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña issued a warning anew to smugglers.

"The Port of Cebu will be a problem destination for the smugglers. This will serve as a strong message and a stern warning that they will not be able to continue doing this kind of business," Lapiña said.

The Bureau of Customs - Port of Cebu has issued alert orders against the 71 container vans from China that arrived in Cebu on November 27, 29 and 30 and December 3.

All the 71 container vans were declared to contain ceramic tiles but it was found out that several vans also contained rice.

Fourteen out of 21 container vans that were opened yesterday contained premium rice with brand names Mayon and Aguila, said Rico Rey Francis Holganza, BOC-Cebu deputy collector for operations.

He said the rest of the container vans will be opened today.

"I will issue a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment once we will open all the container vans," said BOC Cebu district collector Wivina Pumatong.

Lapeña said the 35,500 bags of rice shipment will no longer be subject to public auction since these will be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

"We will donate that to the DSWD and, maybe, doon sa Marawi bigyan natin ng mga bigas doon," he said.

The ceramic tiles can also be donated to Marawi to help residents rebuild their homes.

The shipment is consigned to Seven Myth Marketing with address at Room 1202 D Palanca Compound, General Luna St., Ermita, Manila and Rainbow Horizons Enterprise with address at Rm. 448-A, 4/F Regina Building, Escolta St., Binondo, Manila.

Two weeks ago, Lapeña also led the opening of 160 container vans whose shipment were misdeclared. Some container vans declared to contain ceramic tiles actually contained 20 brand new luxury cars while container vans declared to contain apples were actually loaded with carrots and potatoes.

"These smugglers, they can make their business legal. Kikita din naman sila. Just do not deprive our government of its rightful revenue dahil talagang huhulin namin kayo," Lapeña said. (FREEMAN)