Smuggling probe in Zamboanga City expanded

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has expanded its investigation into rampant smuggling here, prompted by the disappearance of at least 845 sacks of smuggled Malaysian sugar last week, to include local officials from neighboring areas and journalists.

Deputy Customs Commissioner Jessie Dellosa told reporters here on Tuesday that smuggling here involved “many personalities.”

He admitted that those behind smuggling included customs people.

“They are given certain amounts for protection by those involved in smuggling,” he said.

Dellosa said the involvement of some media personalities is also being investigated after text messages pointing to them as fixers were found.

“We are validating that too,” he said.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said she did not care who was involved. All she wanted, she said, is “to clean up the city.”

“It is not enough that government officials and persons in authority are merely relieved or transferred,” said the mayor.

Dellosa said the BOC could produce a report in a week and charges would be filed against those involved.

In the meantime, district collector Miguel Saquisami would remain as head of the local customs office. Julie Alipala and Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao