MANILA, Philippines--The Ombudsman's Field Investigation Office (FIO) has recommended the preventive suspension of seven Bureau of Customs officials in connection with the irregular importation of milk laced with melamine, an industrial chemical linked to the deaths of babies in China.

Almost two years since the melamine-tainted milk scandal, the FIO finally filed complaints of unlawful importation, violation of the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines against Customs Operations Officers Emmanuel Reyes, Akmad Noo, Dante Crisostomo, Ruben de Rama, Paulita dela Cruz, Taha Cali, and clerk Felicissimo Javier.

They are also facing administrative complaints for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, inefficiency, and incompetence in the performance of official duties and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Investigators recommended that the Customs officials be suspended while the probe is ongoing.

Also charged were Flyace Corp. directors Ederlinda Cochanco, Ellen Cochanco, Lucio Cochanco Jr., Elliz Cochangco, and Larry Cochangco; Impex PRO Logistics Corp. broker Neil Ruzol, and the company?s representative Ulysses Asuncion.

Flyace Corp. had imported the Jolly Cow High Calcium Low Fat Milk and Jolly Cow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk that were found to contain melamine. It was also discovered that the products did not have the required Certificate of Product Registration from the Bureau of Food and Drug.

The Office of the Ombudsman is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation based on the FIO?s complaint.

The FIO said the customs officials could be liable for allegedly releasing the products without checking whether or not the Sales Invoice and Bill of Lading for the China-made milk products corresponded with the Certificate of Product Registration.

It said Flyace had apparently presented the Certificate of Product Registration and import documents for another Jolly Cow product, the Pure Fresh Milk, which is different from the High Calcium Low Fat Milk.

According to the FIO, the document processor, examiner, principal customs examiner, and principal customs appraiser should have ascertained the accuracy, completeness, and authenticity of the import entries.

Because of the customs officials? failure to do so, the two melamine-contaminated milk products were able to enter the country, the FIO said.

The BFAD had discovered that by October 8, 2008, more than 27,900 packs of Jolly Cow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk had been distributed.

Melamine-contaminated milk has been linked to the deaths of four children and the illnesses of thousands more, prompting a worldwide recall of China-made milk products.

China, embarrassed by the scandal, imposed the death penalty on two businessmen held responsible for the melamine scam.