Bureau of Customs files smuggling charges against oil importer

A reports and compliance officer of Filpride Resources, an oil importing company, has been charged with smuggling by the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC). The charge includes a fine of Php 408,885,827 (US$9.4 million). The Filpride executive charged is Rosario Tolentino Mamaril. Also included in the charges were customs officials who reportedly allowed Filpride to avoid value-added tax payments. Information on the smuggling was obtained from agency international bulk and break-bulk cargo surveyors. Allegedly, Filpride attempted to confuse customs examiners by partially unloading its cargo of oil shipments in different ports. According to BOC Deputy Commissioner Gregorio Chavez, Filpride failed to declare almost 22,500 barrels of crude oil, with a value of Php 57,228,111 (US$1.3 million). BOC chief issued a warning to oil importers that the BOC has hired six international cargo surveyors whose job is to determine the correct dutiable weight, quantity, description in tariff terms and cargo make or quality of all bulk and break-bulk shipments bound for the Philippines. (March 4, 2011)