The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday filed criminal complaints against 13 individuals before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with more than P13 billion worth of agricultural smuggling.
NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said those recommended for prosecution include operators of a private port owned by a 'prominent family' in Cebu, DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort reported.
The complaints will include alleged violations of RA 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.
The investigation follows the seizure of 59 containers of smuggled cigarettes from China, which were reportedly using European brand names.
Matibag said the NBI is also investigating the possible involvement of law enforcement personnel in the smuggling operation. He warned that government officials found involved could face heavier liability under the law.
According to Matibag, the alleged smuggling operation resulted in an estimated P6.5 billion in lost government tax collections, roughly half of the total value involved.
He said intelligence reports indicated that the shipments were transferred from larger vessels to smaller ships before being brought to a private port.
From there, the goods were allegedly transported to various ports across the country for distribution.
“We have intel report na nakuha natin na apparently ang sinasabi dito from the ISIS, nililipat sa maliit na mga ship tapos dinadala sa private port. From the private port i-shi-ship sa iba’t ibang mga ports dito for distribution sa buong Pilipinas,” Matibag said.
