The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu apprehended an estimated P184 million worth of undeclared, misdeclared, and undervalued shipments such as cigarettes and used clothing in September 2020.
The latest figure is so much higher than the P36 million recorded in August and is nearly double the value of seized goods for June and July, BOC said in a statement.
BOC Cebu district collector Charlito Martin Mendoza said the increased value “shows higher efficiency of the port’s anti-smuggling campaign, brought about by better coordination, intelligence, and x-ray technology.”
Mendoza added that the agency anticipates higher results from its anti-smuggling efforts because of the expected surge in smuggling attempts during the Christmas season and the more difficult times being experienced by businesses due to the pandemic.
He warned importers not to attempt to skirt the law but to “file import documents properly, declare your goods properly and pay the correct duties and taxes.”
He also assured the public that even with the heightened campaign against smuggling, Cebu port “will make sure that flow of goods will not only remain unhampered, but will be more efficient as Christmas season is fast-approaching.”
