BOC files raps vs Cebu businesswoman

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) yesterday filed smuggling charges against a Cebu-based businesswoman tagged in the alleged illegal importation of P354 million worth of rice from Vietnam.

Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon said the charges against Jane Mabano, owner of MMSM Trading, were filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the alleged illegal rice shipment that arrived at the Port of Cebu on March 31.

MMSM Trading was named consignee of the shipment loaded in 532 20-footer container vans, declared as granite, stone slabs, and ceiling insulator slabs.

Biazon said Mabano violated the Tariffs and Customs Code.

Meanwhile, the BOC-Manila International Container Port is set to hold an auction for assorted vehicles and other items on Aug. 28.

The BOC-MICP, headed by District Collector Ricardo Belmonte, issued a notice of public auction for the items, which could be viewed on Aug. 27.

The auction will be conducted through sealed biddings at the MICP building in North Harbor, Manila City at 2:30 p.m.

Among the items set for bidding are used cars, vans and motorcycles, crane boom section, a dump truck, pet food, vacuum pouches, traffic lights parts, electrical cables, power tools, an engine generator and electrical parts, ceramic tiles, furniture and fixtures, CD/DVD cassette player, kitchen utensils, toys, sports equipment, washing machine, ladies dress, noodle making machine, cane juice, jetski, and religious pamphlets.