NBI file charges against ukay-ukay trader

CHARGES were filed yesterday against the owner of the 52 bundles of ukay-ukay or used clothing which were imported to the country.

The National Bureau of Investiagtion in Central Visayas (NBI-7) filed a complaint against Sherwin Tee before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office for violating 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.”

Since Tee wasn’t arrested when the NBI-7 agents made the confiscation, the complaint will undergo the regular preliminary investigation.

The prosecutor will give Tee a chance to submit his counter-affidavit to refute the allegations.

If the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence against him, charges will be elevated to the court. Otherwise, the charges will be dismissed.

Agents of the NBI-7 led by supervising agent Rennan Augustus Oliva last Thursday seized assorted used clothing pegged at P1 million inside the residence of Tee in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

A search warrant issued by Municipal Trial Court in Cities Executive Judge Francisco Seville Jr. was used in the raid.

Tee wasn’t around but the NBI-7 agents were able to recover several bundles of used clothing which included T-shirts, jeans and other items.

A fine ranging from P200 to P20,000 as well as imprisonment of not less than two years to five years shall be imposed upon persons who shall be found guilty of violating RA 4653.

Before applying for a search warrant, the NBI-7 agents conducted surveillance operations to verify reports that Tee was engaged in the business of used clothing.

The NBI also discovered that Tee didn’t have a business permit./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL