Bureau of Customs spokesperson Col. Neil Anthony Estrella dismissed reports last week that the bureau already filed cases against a local cigarette manufacturer and 101 other importers, calling them “a hoax.”
Earlier news reports indicated Customs would file a temporary suspension of the accreditation of 101 importers and brokers due to questionable shipments and that Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon ordered Mighty Corp. and other companies to provide proof their shipments were unintentionally misdeclared.
Estrella said the bureau was still on the review process, adding the agency did not release any statement that cases were officially filed against the importers.
Estrella said the agency would not take away the possibility of filing a case and suspension of accreditation of any company if proven guilty during the investigation.
Customs earlier said it was probing several importers of oil, luxury vehicles and cigarettes but Estrella clarified its extensive investigation was still ongoing to establish air-tight legal actions against errant importers.
Estrella disclosed that the bureau officially suspended only six out of the 101 importers transacting at the agency two major ports—Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port.
Customs, based on a report from Account Management Office head Mary Grace Malabed, so far identified six consignees as part of the first batch of suspended importers.
The consignees were Holdhigh Trading, Coco Corporation Technologies, Manhattan Chemical Corp., Trikis Enterprises, Harbinger International Trading and Richco Marketing.
“The importers mentioned were suspended for violating customs importation laws, rules, and regulations such as misdeclaration, failure to declare shipment, and failure to submit necessary import permits from regulating government agencies,” Estrella said.