BOC inclusion in anti-agri smuggling raids hit

Farmers' group Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) yesterday questioned the inclusion of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the final version of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act or Republic Act 12022.

- Cecille Suerte Felipe

RA 12022 authorizes the BOC to conduct operations in the government's campaign against smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products.

"In the original version of the bill, the Bureau of Customs was not included among those authorized to conduct the raids," FFF national manager Raul Montemayor said.

He noted that the government has failed to jail smugglers and hoarders in the past because of weak cases being filed by the personnel of the BOC.

"We have existing law, but no arrest was made. There was a problem with case buildup.

The cases were dismissed because of lack of evidence weak cases being filed in the courts," he added.

Montemayor alleges that those involved in smuggling will be forewarned by contacts at the BOC.

"That is why members of the group are puzzled why the BOC was included, as the original version only included the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation in the operations," he noted.

According to Montemayor, farmers welcome the signing of RA 12022, saying it will serve as a warning against those involved in smuggling in the country.

"It will serve as a deterrent to smugglers because of the stiffer penalties and fine," he added.

He expressed hope that smugglers and unscrupulous traders will finally be jailed.