Customs checks on oil smuggling in Clark

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

CLARK FREEPORT -- Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim said Wednesday they are on the lookout for the smuggling of oil and other petroleum products in the Freeport.

During a visit Wednesday at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark, Lim told newsmen that they have apprehended several individuals engaged in oil smuggling here over the past few months.

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Lim said they can easily identify smuggled gasoline in Clark and Subic because of the BOC markings. He said oil imported by firms should only be used inside the economic zone.

Aside from oil, the BOC is also watching for the possible entry of drugs into the Freeport, considering that the Clark International Airport is fast becoming a premier gateway of the country.

Lim said the BOC is serious in its campaign against smuggling.

He said the BOC has seized P400 million worth of counterfeit items, which were found inside two containers consigned to Imax Harbor.

The fake items, which include medicines, cellular batteries and chargers and wristwatches, among others, are dangerous and may pose health and safety risks to the buying public if distributed.

Lim also disclosed that the BOC, upon the orders of President Benigno Aquino, is stepping up its efforts against smuggling and corruption inside the bureau.

The former Army general, who was incarcerated for four years for mounting a military uprising against the previous administration, said they will not waver in the campaign against smuggling and corruption.

“On behalf of Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, we will do everything in our power to prevent smuggled products -- especially those that pose serious threats to the health of our people -- from entering our market,” Lim said.

BOC Port of Clark Collector Eduardo Dela Cuesta, meanwhile, said they are fully supporting the bureau’s campaign, saying they have doubled their efforts to prevent the entry of smuggled products into the local market.

When asked of his political plans, Lim replied that he is a team player and he will consider running for senator if the President asked him to run.