By Betheena Kae Unite While the Philippines is struggling with the lack of personal protective gears to counter the spread of COVID-19, several boxes of essential medical supplies believed to be smuggled, worth P15 million, were seized in three shops in Sta. Cruz, Manila. (PCG / MANILA BULLETIN) Boxes of various protective gears such as gloves, facemasks (surgical and N95), and goggles were discovered when Customs agents and Coast Guard personnel raided three shops in Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz on March 31, Tuesday. Armed with a letter of authority issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the agents raided the shops identified as Wyler Enterprises, Inc., Medical Shop, and Medical Outlet. “The said shipments were suspected to be misdeclared as general merchandise when imported into the country,” the bureau said in a statement. “Smuggled PPEs may pose a health risk to users since such items may not comply with the safety standards set by the government rendering them not fit for human utilization.” According to the bureau, the store owners were given 15 days to present necessary documents to prove that the items were legally imported into the country. If proven, however, that the PPEs were smuggled, the store owners may face charges of smuggling in relation to the provisions of The Customs Modernization Act (CMTA). Recently, the BOC also apprehended a shop selling PPEs and alcohol online at exorbitantly high prices. “Although the bureau is focused in expediting the importation of PPEs and other medical supplies badly needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency is also committed in ensuring that goods are within acceptable standards and are safe for the public use,” the bureau said.