By Betheena Kae Unite Three suspects including a Customs official were arrested for allegedly conniving to smuggle almost two kilos of jewelry worth P3 million into the country through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña identified the suspects as NAIA Customs Operations Officer V Lomontod Macabando assigned at the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 3, Abraham Mimbalawag and Bang-sa Mimbalawag. Customs agents said Abraham and Bang-sa arrived at Terminal 3, Port of NAIA on board Cebu Pacific Air Flight No. 5J015 from Dubai on May 5, 2018. According to Lapeña, the on-duty customs examiner on that day noticed that an unidentified passenger handed over a black clutch bag to Macabando, who later hurriedly walked toward. the exit of the Customs Arrival Area, Terminal 3. However, customs personnel tried to prevent Macabando from escaping but failed, prompting them to seek help from the security personnel. “Macabando was finally accosted and was eventually convinced to go back to the Customs Arrival Area and return the subject clutch bag to the owner thereof,” Lapeña said. Abraham and Bangsa-an later admitted that they own the bag. During inspection, the bag yielded 24 pieces of rings, 1,029 pairs of earrings, 155 pieces of pendants, five pieces of earrings with pendants, 19 pieces of bangles, 295 pieces of chains, and 101 pieces of bracelets. According to the Customs agents at the NAIA, the suspects failed to declare the importation of the jewelry and provide required commercial documents or invoice. A warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the smuggled jewelry was issued on May 7 by NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan pursuant to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Abraham, Bang-sa and Macabando had undergone inquest proceedings on May 6 at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office but they were later released after being detained at the airport detention facility with release order from the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. Preliminary investigation of the case was ordered on May 15 and 22, 2018. Further, charges were filed against the suspects for violation of Sections 1401 (Unlawful Importation or Exportation), 1402 (Failure or Refusal of Party to Give Evidence or Submit Documents for Assessment), and 1404 (Failure to Declare Baggage) in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the CMTA, and Grave Coercion under Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code. Lapeña also ordered the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service to investigate administrative violations of Macabando, particularly Section 1431 (Statutory Offenses of Officers and Employees) for colluding with the other suspects.