INSPECTION. A Customs officer takes a look at 'ukay-ukay' (used clothing) and other items discovered during an inspection of several warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan on Thursday (July 13, 2023). The inspection yielded PHP350 million worth of used clothing, fake goods and other imported products. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – Customs officers discovered an estimated PHP350 million worth of used clothing, fake goods and other imported products from China in several warehouses in Marilao, Bulacan.
In a statement on Friday, the BOC said the warehouses located at Phil. Asia Pacific Realty Compound, Villarica Road in Barangay Sta. Rosa 1 was inspected on Thursday by agents of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP).
The inspection was conducted through the implementation of a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio.
“The team inspected the warehouses and found them to contain Used Clothing or ukay-ukay, mosquito coils, IPR (intellectual property rights)-infringing goods, and other suspected smuggled imported goods,” Rubio said.
CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso said the implementation of the LOA was also done in coordination with Philippine Coast Guard, local police and barangay officials.
”Several warehouses were found to contain smuggled goods after we served the LOA to the warehouse admin and respective warehouse representatives,” he said.
On the other hand, Customs Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said the warehouses have been sealed and the team temporarily placed padlocks.
“Ongoing inspection is being conducted on the subject warehouses. This is to be followed by an inventory of the goods, which would be conducted by our assigned Customs examiner and witnessed by CIIS and ESS (Enforcement and Security Service) agents,” he added. (PNA)
