CLARK Development Corporation (CDC)-Task Force Aguila was recently cited by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for their continuous efforts and support in intensifying operations against smuggling in the country.

In a statement, BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero thanked the CDC-Task Force Aguila’s initiative after they apprehended a P50-million worth of smuggled items composed of assorted smartphones, and laptops during the height of the Covid 19-pandemic here. The seizure of these items was ordered by the BOC-Clark.

The said items were later put to good use as the BOC donated these to the Department of Education (DepEd) in a formal turnover ceremony recently.

A total of 5,038 devices composed of 4,840 smartphones and 198 units of laptops were received by DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones in a simple ceremony held at the BOC office in Manila.

The donated gadgets will be distributed and utilized by students who are under distance learning, particularly those who are currently enrolled in online learning delivery modalities.

Also present during the turnover were CDC Vice President Mariza O. Mandocdoc and Department of Finance Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez, who joined the event virtually.

The CDC-Task Force Aguila has been active in helping the government’s drive against illegal smuggling and tax evasion.

The seizure of the P50 million worth of gadgets is the task force’s second-biggest haul.

The first was in 2019 when it seized over P80-million worth of similar goods in a huge technical smuggling attempt. These goods were also forfeited in favor of the government. (PR)