Customs seizes laptops worth P100M

Customs commissioner Ruffy Biazon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Bureau of Customs has ordered the seizure of P100-million worth of laptop computers disguised as computer parts, which were allegedly smuggled into the country through the Port of Manila.

Customs Commissioner Rufino “Ruffy” Biazon said the 3,915 units of Asus laptop computers, which came from China, were stuffed into two container vans and misdeclared as computer parts by the consignee, Orza Marketing.

In his report to Biazon, Deputy Customs Commissioner for Law Enforcement Horacio Suansing Jr. said the computer shipment, which arrived at the port three months ago, was not only misdeclared but was also grossly undervalued.

“Let this serve as a warning to all those who think they can get away with their illegal activities at the bureau. We shall not waver in our antismuggling campaign and we will eventually catch up with your illegal activities,” Biazon said.

He said the smuggled computers would be auctioned off following formal forfeiture proceedings and the filing of charges against Orza Marketing.

Joining Biazon and Suansing at the media presentation was Deputy Customs Commissioner for Intelligence Danilo Lim.

“We will not treat you with kid gloves. We will not treat those who willfully rob the Filipino people and their government gently. To those who get their way through bribery and inducement, don’t even think about it,” Lim said.