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BOC destroys 21 smuggled vehicles in Manila, CDO

By Ferdinand Patinio

June 18, 2021, 5:14 pm

<p><em>(Photo courtesy of BOC)</em></p>

(Photo courtesy of BOC)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday held the second simultaneous destruction of smuggled motor vehicles this year, involving 21 cars worth PHP58.55 million in Manila and Cagayan de Oro.

In a statement, the bureau reported that the vehicles destroyed in Manila came from the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM), and Port of Subic.

The seven motor vehicles include a brand new McLaren 620R and a used Hyundai Genesis from POM; used Bentley 2007, Porsche 911 C2S, and Mercedes-Benz from MICP; and Lotus and Toyota Solara from the Port of Subic, which were gathered and condemned in Port Area, Manila.

Meanwhile, 14 knocked-down used Mitsubishi Jeeps seized by the Port of Cagayan de Oro were destroyed simultaneously at Diamond Logistic in Baloy, Barangay Tablon.

The motor vehicles were shipped into the country by different consignees and seized on separate occasions from 2018 to 2020.

The condemnation of the vehicles is pursuant to Presidential Directive 2017-447, in which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte reiterated the need to destroy smuggled vehicles to send the strong message that the government is serious in its efforts against smuggling.

The condemnation activity was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Finance (DOF), Commission on Audit (COA), and key officials of the BOC headed by Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Last February 9, the bureau also destroyed 17 motor vehicles from MICP, Port of Cebu, and Port of Manila. (PNA)

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