Philippines Clamps Down On Imported Vehicles

Komfie Manalo - AHN News Writer
Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in central Philippines on Thursday ordered stringent measures on the importation of vehicles, three weeks after an anti-smuggling task force destroyed 18 smuggled vehicles.

Armand Arreza, administrator of SBMA said the new measures were aimed at stamping out illegal activities in the port. The new rule requires importers to obtain clearance from the Bureau of Import Services and provide details of shipment brought into the Freeport.

He adds that a private auditor was hired by the SBMA board of directors to conduct real-time audit of goods entering and leaving Subic.

"The idea behind these measures is to introduce a more effective means of merchandise control," Arreza explained.

According to Arrreza, the stringent measures would prevent smugglers from misdeclaring or undervaluing their cargoes.

At the same time, a special investigative committee was created to probe any SBMA officials and employees who assists smugglers in their illegal activities.