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Friday, March 29, 2024

Customs seizes passenger aircraft

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THE Bureau of Customs on Monday seized a passenger aircraft after its owners failed to present a certificate of payment of duties and taxes from the Bureau.

The plane is being used to transport local tourists and chartered flights to different destinations in the country, according to Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon.

BOC-Special Studies and Project Development Committee chief James Layug  said the aircraft belonged to Skyjet Airlines.  The aircraft owner and operator of Skyjet Airlines, Magnum Air Inc., had already been delisted from the Subic Bay Freeport List of Locators and had ceased operations since 2014. 

Faeldon has ordered an investigation of the aircraft’s activities due to its illegal operation.

The BoC conducted an inspection at the Domestic Airport in Pasay City but the airline’s property custodian failed to show proof of payment of duties and taxes and other documents on the acquisition of the aircraft and its operations.

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Magnum Air Inc. was given 15 days to present the required documents on the plane’s ownership and operations. Failure to do so would result in the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the aircraft, Faeldon said.

The aircraft is now under the custody of OCOM-SSPDC personnel and Aircraft Operations Division BOC-NAIA.

“We will keep working and going after those who violate Customs laws, and to secure our borders from any illegal activity,” Faeldon said.

“We have to be vigilant to protect our borders on land, air and sea at all times,” he added.

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