SBMA seizes 7 ‘hot’ Pajeros

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) seized over the weekend seven imported luxury vehicles and several tourist buses for violation of rules and regulations on importation.

SBMA Chairman Felicito Payumo said that the SBMA, in close cooperation with the Bureau of Customs (BoC), has intensified its campaign to curb smuggling activities in this premier Freeport zone, particularly this Yuletide season, with an expected increase of shipment of imported goods.

"The SBMA will remain vigilant against smugglers who try to use Subic, being a Freeport zone, to carry out their unscrupulous activities," Payumo said in statement.

SBMA-Intelligence and Investigation Office (IIO) head Chief Insp. Robert Quenery said that Subic Acropolis Inc., a Freeport-based enterprise engaged in importation of second-hand vehicles, attempted but failed to bring out seven units of highly taxable Mitsubishi Pajero at the Cubi Point gate.

Quenery stressed that under SBMA import rules the pull-out of imported vehicles after 6 p.m. is prohibited but Subic Acropolis tried to sneak the vehicles during "unholy hour" causing suspicion from security personnel manning the gate.

Quenery also disclosed that the seven luxury vehicles were part of the 25 Mitsubishi Pajeros shipped by Subic Acropolis to the Freeport last month on two separate occasions. The SBMA is compelling the importer to produce the remaining vehicles for proper documentation and payment of taxes.

Investigators also reported that Subic Acropolis was earlier involved in alleged smuggling of five Right-Hand-Drive (RHD) tourist buses that were seized by the SBMA in a foiled attempt to smuggle them out of the Freeport zone. — Bebot Sison Jr.