Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) yesterday seized 52 bundles of used clothing imported into the country.
The value of the assorted used clothings was pegged at P1 million.
NBI regional director Antonio Pagatpat said the importation of used clothing is prohibited under Republic Act (RA) 4653, the law which “prohibits the commercial importation of textile articles to safeguard the health of people and maintain the dignity of the nation.”
“The law against used clothing is clear. Used clothings are prohibited since they can affect the health of people and the dignity of the country,” Pagatpat said in Filipino yesterday.
“The importation of used clothing gives a notion that our country has been the recipient of old things and clothings from other countries. We have a law against it. We should implement it,” he said in Filipino.
The NBI led by supervising agent Rennan Augustus Oliva barged into the residence of businessman Sherwin Tee in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City yesterday morning.
They served the search warrant issued by Municipal Trial Court in Cities Executive Judge Francisco Seville Jr.
Tee wasn’t around but the NBI agents were able to recover several bundles of used clothing which included T-shirts, and jeans.
The bundles of used clothing were brought to the NBI-7 office and would be presented in court.
FILE PLAINT
Pagatpat said they would file charges against Tee for violating RA 4653 before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.
Since Tee wasn’t arrested, the complaint will undergo the regular preliminary investigation where Tee will be given a chance to submit a counter-affidavit to refute the allegations.
If there is enough basis, the complaint will be elevated to the trial court. Otherwise, it will be dismissed.
A fine ranging from ranging from P200 to P20,000 as well as imprisonment of not less than two years to five years shall be imposed upon persons found guilty of violating RA 4653.
“They (used clothing) are now in our custody for safekeeping. It’s up to the court how to dispose them. Of course, we will use them as evidence in the complaint that we are going to file,” he said.
Before applying for a search warrant, the NBI agents conducted surveillance operations to verify reports that Tee was into engaged in the business of used clothing.
They also discovered that Tee’s business has no permission from the Cebu City government.
STOP THE SOURCE
Pagatpat said a poseur NBI-7 personnel bought a bundle of used clothing worth from Tee before the operation was hatched.
A bundle of used clothing is worth between P7,000 to P15,000. Yesterday’s operation was made in the presence of barangay officials of Mabolo.
NBI-7 agent Oliva said they have to stop the spread of used clothing from its source.
“If we will be able to stop the wholesale of used clothings, the spread of ukay-ukay along the streets will also be addressed,” he said.