The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has cleared the personnel of Port of Subic of allegations of involvement in any irregularities in connection with the alleged smuggling of 140,000 sacks of refined sugar from Thailand.
In a statement, BOC Acting Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said they have already terminated the investigation into the incident and the findings revealed that there was no negligence on the part of the BOC-Port of Subic personnel in the discharge of their duties.
The 140,000 sacks of refined sugar, imported by the RUAMKAMLARP Export Co. Ltd. and consigned to ORO-AGRITADE Inc., arrived in the country on Aug. 12 via the Port of Subic.
The items were discovered in the surprise inspection led by the BOC over suspicions that they were smuggled into the country.
Ruiz, however, said the imported sugar underwent proper documentation that include permits for importation.
"The shipments were processed in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the Bureau of Customs and pursuant to the provisions of the CMTA, no violation or discrepancy in the subject shipments was found. The SRA (Sugar Regulatory) Clearances presented on the subject shipments proved authentic, not recycled as alleged," said Ruiz.
"The investigators found all documents presented were complete and properly complied. This means that the consignee complies with the regulations set forth by the Phililppine National Trade Repositort for the importation of sugar standards," he added.
Ruiz said the investigation also disclosed that the BOC-Subic Port of Subic personnel are consistent with and corroborated by the Certification issued by the SRA: "Thus, there is no prima facie nor substantial evidence to warrant the filing of administrative charges against the concerned BOC personnel."
As a result of the investigation, Ruiz ordered the return of six BOC officials to to their previous posts.
They were District Port Collector Maritess T. Martin; Deputy Collector (Assessment) Maita S. Acevedo; Deputy Collector (Operations) Giovanni Ferdinand A. Leynes; Assessment Division Chief Belinda F. Lim; Enforcement Security Service (ESS) District Commander Vincent Mark S. Malasmas; and, Customs Investigation and Intelligence Service (CIIS) Field Supervisor Justin S. Geli.