5 alleged smugglers of imported used clothing charged

By Tetch Torres - INQ NET

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) has filed a criminal case against five persons allegedly involved in smuggling imported used clothing popularly known as "ukay-ukay," Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said.

Those charged before the Department of Justice (DoJ) were Manuel Bergado, Lucilyn Bergado, Sevillano Zabal, Mylyn Bergado, and Fermin Libay, all incorporators/directors of Interlink Philippines Inc., Lazer Mega Wide Trading Inc. and Mytron Security Systems, Morales said.

They allegedly violated Sections 3601 and 3602 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines in connection with Republic Act 4653 or the law Banning the Importations of Used Clothing and Rags and violation of the Revised Penal Code, Morales said.
Customs officers seized a shipment of 175 bales of “ukay-ukay” worth 1.2 million pesos, Morales said.

Morales said the 175 bales of used clothing was only part of the unaccounted quantity found at Interlink's warehouse worth 45 million pesos. Interlink is a company based inside Subic Bay Freeport.

After receiving a tip, elements of the Enforcement and Security Service of the BoC intercepted a truck at the San Fernando exit in Pampanga province enroute to Manila last April 11.