SBMA probe of execs linked to rice smuggling try starts

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Two top officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have gone on leave as the agency begins its investigation on the possible involvement of its officials in the alleged illegal shipment of 420,000 bags of Indian rice seized by the Bureau of Customs here.

SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia said Redentor Tuazon, SBMA senior deputy administrator for seaport operations, and Stefani Saño, senior deputy administrator for business development, would be investigated by the agency.

“They will go on voluntary leave on Monday,” Garcia told reporters on Friday.

He said SBMA started investigating the incident after the Senate hearing on the alleged illegal shipment of rice here began and SBMA officials were implicated in the smuggling attempt.

“We are making sure nothing is hidden from view. We are going to be very transparent about this,” Garcia said.

Garcia faced reporters on Friday with Tuazon and Saño beside him. Tuazon was grilled by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile last week during a Senate hearing on the illegal shipment of Indian rice in this free port. Robert Gonzaga, Inquirer Central Luzon