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CUSTOMS officials continue to fend-off allegations that smuggling
activities of second hand vehicles have transferred to the Port of
Irene at the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA).
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation
Service (CIIS) chief, Dino Tuason said that no smuggling have
occurred at CEZA since it was created in 1995 under the Ramos
administration.
“I can assure you that there’s no smuggling
at the Port of Irene. Not motor vehicles, not even other commodities
since CEZA was created,” Tuazon told reporters in a briefing.
The CIIS chief said that given the remoteness of
CEZA’s location that is about 600 kilometers away from Manila, no
smugglers would dare or risk their transferring their activities at
the said port.
“Why will I not smuggle there? The area is
remote, it has no market. Transporting goods will be very dangerous
for smugglers due to the risk of high-jack,” Tuason said.
The CIIS chief added that it’s hard to say
that car-smuggling activities have transferred to the Port of Irene
since all motor vehicles coming out from the port have paid the
correct duties and taxes.
“We have coordinated with the CEZA, PASG
[Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group] that before a vehicle is
released from Port of Irene correct duties are being paid,” Tuazon
said.
Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales have
already denied on Thursday alleged report of rampant smuggling of
used or second hand vehicles at the said port.
“If there was smuggling, then they didn’t
pay duties and taxes. But the [importers] have paid and this port is
a big help in our revenue collection,” Morales said.
The customs commissioner said that as far as
their bureau is concerned, all vehicles arriving at the Port of
Irene are being assessed of their book value plus duties and taxes.
The American Chamber of Commerce has reported
off an alleged smuggling activities occurring at the said port that
is hurting the local car industry.
-- Anthony Vargas
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