BOC seizes watches in balikbayan box at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated 73 wristwatches found inside a balikbayan box brought by a traveler who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 from the United States yesterday morning.

After scanning its contents through an x-ray machine, BOC personnel intercepted the balikbayan box of Crescencio Arrieta, who flew in from Los Angeles, California, BOC Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Ariel Nepomuceno said.

They found 68 G-Shock watches, two iWatches, two Garmin watches and a Sony smart watch. The BOC said the duties and taxes on the watches will reach at least P85,000.

BOC Airport Enforcement and Security Service commander Lieutenant Reggie Tuason said only “one of each kind” is allowed in a balikbayan box. He did not elaborate.

He said they are still assessing the actual value of the shipment.

Arrieta, said to be a frequent traveler, reportedly had a connecting flight to Davao. 

“According to my team and the assessment people, the watches were reportedly gifts… But we would look into the possibility that these were intended for retail,” Tuason said.

The ESS official said that they did not apprehend Arrieta since the wristwatches were not considered contraband goods such as fake medicine, illegal drugs and ammunition.

“He will just have to pay the duties and taxes so the contents of his box would be released to him,” he said.