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Duterte leads destruction of P27-M smuggled vehicles in Cagayan

By Villamor Visaya, Jr.

March 14, 2018, 9:35 pm

<p><strong>SMUGGLED CARS.</strong> President Rodrigo R. Duterte inspects smuggled luxury cars before they were destroyed at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province on March 14, 2018. <em>(Albert Alcain/Presidential Photo) </em></p>

SMUGGLED CARS. President Rodrigo R. Duterte inspects smuggled luxury cars before they were destroyed at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province on March 14, 2018. (Albert Alcain/Presidential Photo) 

SANTA ANA, Cagayan – President Rodrigo Duterte led the destruction of at least 14 smuggled vehicles including luxury cars worth PHP27 million at Port Irene here before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Duterte said the destruction of the vehicles was a symbol of putting “an end to a societal disease that eroded public trust” in his bid to deliver equitable public service.

The act would serve as a strong resolve for good governance and as a “safeguard of the people’s welfare,” Duterte said.

He said he would never tolerate smuggling or anomalies at free ports as he strives to free (the government) from corruption and continues to persevere for “sustainable government”.

The fight against smuggling is still not finished, he said adding he was rushing to meet with investors in Davao City as it was already evening.

“A lot of work will be done until we can give a progressive nation they (Filipinos) deserve, a better Philippines,” Duterte said.

Among the luxury vehicles destroyed were a PHP7-million Maserati Quattro Porte, Porsche 911 GT3, BMW Alpina B12, BMW Z1, Opel Manta, Renault R5, and eight units of Mercedes Benz.

After the ceremony, 841 other vehicles aside from eight high-end motorcycles, which were also part of the illegal shipment, will also be destroyed once its documents are reviewed and finalized.

Duterte earlier inspected the Lal-lo international airport’s operational status and upgraded facilities for 45 minutes after arriving at about 5 p.m. before heading to Sta. Ana town.

The La-lo airport is an epitome of “commitment, efficiency and faster and easier means of public transport,” he said. (PNA)

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