‘Ukay-ukay’ trader faces smuggle raps

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Customs on Thursday filed in the Department of Justice smuggling charges against the importer and broker of “ukay-ukay” (used clothing) from Singapore worth P10 million.

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina identified the respondents in the suit as Evangelos Andit, owner of ERS Surplus in Cagayan de Oro City and broker Yolanda Narandan.

Andit and Narandan were charged with violations of Section 3602 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), Sections 3601 and 101 of the TCCP in relation to Republic Act No. 4653 and Article 172 in relation to Articles 171 and 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

According to Lina, the ERS Surplus shipment of two 40-foot container vans arrived on March 18 at the Cagayan de Oro port and was stopped by the bureau’s intelligence and investigation service.

The shipment was declared as bed sheets, pillow cases and comforters but turned out to be used clothing, Lina said.

“I am warning all importers and traders, especially those involved in the illegal importation of used clothing to stop what they are doing. We will never compromise the interest of our local industries and for that we will not allow illegal importation of used clothing,” he said.