Probe alleged smuggling along Intramuros road, Atienza orders

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered yesterday the Western Police District (WPD) to investigate alleged petroleum smuggling operations along the banks of the Pasig River in Intramuros, Manila, as moves to stop illegal cargo unloading operations in the area continues.

This allegation was raised following the revelation that illegal arrastre operations in the area have been continuing for the last two decades with unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the earlier permit to allow rice to be unloaded in the area, Manila City Hall sources said.

The permit was only issued to speed up the distribution of the grains during a rise shortage besetting the country at the time, but after a while other goods were sneaked in by barges through the river bank.

In a statement, Atienza cited the report in the early 1990’s when police and customs men intercepted a shipment of diesel. "We have received reports that some unscrupulous groups could be using the area to bring taxable goods to avoid payment of the proper duties and taxes under the law," said Atienza.

Tasked to investigate the report was newly appointed Ermita police commander Superintendent Elmer Jamias.

Jamias was also instructed to ensure the strict enforcement of the mayor’s order to clear the river bank of trucks, which, in their illegal arrastre operations have been causing traffic congestion. The City Hall received several complaints over the almost daily traffic jams caused by the trucks and their cranes.

The STAR observed that policemen now patrol the area,traffic is smooth but cranes remain and barges with cargo are still seen anchored near the banks. Both the Philippine Ports Authority and the Intramuros Administration have earlier denied jurisdiction in regulating the arrastre operations prompting the city government to act instead.

Atienza reported that people affected by the clearing operations have sent "feelers to explore the possibility of reaching a compromise" but he turned this down.

"I said that there was nothing to discuss. The arrastre operations in the area is detrimental to public interest. They would be well advised to transfer it to the port area where it really belongs because there is no way that we will allow its resumption," said Atienza.

The Manila City Council has also expressed support for the mayor’s move in a resolution approved last Tuesday noting that among others, the arrastre operations has caused the river bank to deteriorate. – Jose Aravilla