Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina led the viewing of thousands of seized items at the Manila International Container Port on Tuesday (October 13).
The seized items included television sets from South Korea, high-tech gadgets such as smartphones and tablets, and ready-to-wear clothes from Cambodia.
The nearly 3,000 television sets worth about P6 million were seized in four batches from May to June 2015, and were consigned to an enterprise in Binondo, Manila and a corporation based in Carmona, Cavite.
Warrants of seizure and detention were served against the two local consignees because of lack of an import permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Under the department’s regulations, used television sets are considered recyclable materials with hazardous substances.
Meanwhile, the high-tech gadgets worth P60 million pesos were allegedly misdeclared as thermos casing and gift boxes. The consignee will face charges for the misdeclaration of shipment.
CNN Philippines’ Ivy Saunar contributed to this report.
