BOC exec eyed in P1.2 billion smuggled cigarettes – HPG

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is believed to be involved in the smuggling of P1.2 billion worth of cigarettes seized by the police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) last month.

At a press briefing in Quezon City yesterday, HPG director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the owner of the trucks transporting the smuggled cigarettes is a spouse of a BOC officer.

“His wife is a member of the BOC,” Marantan said.

The contraband was found in 14 trailer trucks that police intercepted in Barangay Singko Roon, Balete, Batangas on Dec. 31.

Marantan said the HPG is set to file complaints against five people for violating Republic Act 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The owner of the yard where the cigarettes came from might not be included in the charge sheet as he is cooperating in the investigation, the HPG said.

“He came in good faith,” Marantan said.

Marantan said they are looking at including the financiers of the contraband in the filing of charges.

Philippine National Police Directorate for Operations chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said some PNP personnel are under investigation for their involvement in the smuggling of unregistered cigarettes.

“In the course of the operation, we received information that some PNP personnel were involved,” Cariaga said.

He said police officers found to be involved in smuggling activities would face criminal and administrative cases.