The Bureau of Customs in Manila is urging BoC district collector Arnulfo Marcos and Dumaguete Port OIC collector Fe Lluelyn Toring to fast-track the inventory of smuggled rice from Malaysia so legal action can immediately proceed against those responsible, including the consignee who appeared to claim the delivery.

Toring said unloading of the sacks of rice from M/L Al-Althie was stopped due to lack of space at the BoC office in Dumaguete. She confirmed orders from her superiors to look for a bodega where the shipment can be stocked in one area and be secured during the pendency of the case.

There were 4,060 sacks of 25-kilogram rice unloaded and stocked in the BoC office, with mattresses, cartons of biscuit, and plastic mats. The Coast Guard is guarding the motor launch since the remaining sacks of rice could not be unloaded yet.

The National Food Authority Dumaguete, headed by Carlos Cortez, was also asked to look for a bodega (warehouse) and Toring said they have found one near the port.

Toring is expected to submit an inventory report within the week to the legal division of the BoC in Cebu, headed by Rico Rey Francis Holganza, for the filing of cases against the respondents, one of the consignee who identified himself as Kurdos Kangal, from Bacong, Negros Oriental.

Unconfirmed reports said three or more traders have arranged for the arrival of the shipment on Good Friday, because by tradition, people including authorities at their home or in churches.

But somebody tipped the authorities about the presence of the boat near the shoreline of Lutuban in Zamboanguita, and this resulted in the interception of the allegedly smuggled rice from abroad. Those involved could not present documents, such as an NFA certificate of eligibility to import rice, or import permits.*JG

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