NBI to turn over seized smuggled cars to BOC

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Teresita Galanida of Mandaue City directed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to take custody and control of the ten smuggled second-hand Honda Fit vehicles confiscated by the members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7.

In her one-page order, Galanida granted the motion filed by the NBI to turn over the seized vehicles to the BOC, Port of Cebu.

“Finding merit in the motion, for reasons stated therein, and considering that there is also no available space in the Hall of Justice which could accommodate the items recovered during the search, the court grants the instant motion,” the order reads.

The NBI confiscated the subject vehicles on March 6, 2013 by virtue of a search warrant issued by Galanida.

The warrant was addressed to Ricardo Sameon, owner of JJRS Car Mall Sales located at North Road in Basak, Mandaue City. NBI agent Atty. Renan Oliva told The FREEMAN that the subject vehicles will be turned over today to the BOC in compliance with the order.

Also today, the NBI is set to file a complaint against Sameon before the Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Section 100 of Presidential Decree 1464 or Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines as Amended by Executive Order 156.

Under Executive Order 156, NBI Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat earlier said that the importation of used vehicles is prohibited in the country.

During the implementation of the warrant, Pagatpat said the manager of the display center failed to show the necessary documents for the vehicles. It was also learned that the car mall has no business permit upon verification before the Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office.

Before the bureau applied for a search warrant, Pagatpat said they were able to secure a certification from Honda Philippines stating the company is not importing Honda Fit. —(FREEMAN)