6th RMO destroys P300T worth of smuggled pyrotechnics
After three years of confiscation, the 6th Regional Maritime Office (6th RMO) yesterday destroyed the 180 cartons of smuggled pyrotechnics intercepted at the Arrastre Port in November 2005.
The smuggled pyrotechnics with an estimated value of P306,000 was disposed upon the orders of Judge Alexis Zerrudo, Branch 3 of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court. The shipment was consigned to a certain Cheliya but was received by Peter Po of the T & T Trading.
A firetruck from the Bureau of Fire Protection sprayed water to the pyrotechnics before it was disposed to the Calajunan dumpsite in Mandurriao. The activity was held at Camp Delgado.
The smuggled goods came from Manila and was shipped to Iloilo City in November 17, 2005 through Super Ferry 19. Po, failed to present pertinent documents regarding the pyrotechnics shipment.
Po is now facing charges for violation of RA 7183 or the Pyrotechnics Law and Anti-Smuggling Law. He posted a P2,000 bailbond.
In the Bill of Lading, the shipment was declared as assorted boxes of plastic containers. However, when the maritime officers opened the boxes, they found five boxes of steel wool, 2 boxes of lampshade with clock, 15 boxes of crust toothpaste, seven boxes of assorted lights, 40 boxes of lighters and assorted pyrotechnics.
The rest of the items except for the pyrotechnics were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.
6th RMO regional officer Supt. Cornelio Salinas said the move would send a strong signal to smugglers that 'they should abide with the customs law.'
"Would be violators should conform to the rules to avoid incidents that will destroy lives and properties," he said. "We ensure the public of our continuous intelligence monitoring and operations in various ports and piers in the region to prevent the entry of smugglers, said Salinas."
The successful campaign would mean additional revenue for the government. "We also would like to protect our local firecracker industry as long as they operate within the safety regulation," said Salinas.