The Bureau of Customs – Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) seized at least P80 million worth, or 24 kilos of assorted gold jewelry, hidden inside an airplane lavatory on November 17.
The Customs Boarding Inspector from the Aircraft Operations Division discovered the jewelry pieces during boarding of Philippine Airlines (PAL) aircraft PR 301 from Hongkong, which arrived at NAIA Terminal 2.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Carmelita Talusan said she has ordered a thorough investigation, including identifying the persons responsible for this smuggling attempt.
The Port of NAIA, under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon L. Ruiz, ensures the stringent implementation of border security measures to curb smuggling attempts as mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” she said.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna meanwhile, said the airline is cooperating with authorities conducting the investigation.
Villaluna said that the PAL Security Department had reported to the PNP- Aviation Security Group a tampering inside the aircraft lavatory and requested for an immediate investigation upon arrival of the aircraft in Manila.
“Upon further inspection, the PNP Avsegroup discovered the items and endorsed these to the Bureau of Customs (BOC). PAL continues to cooperate with the PNP and the BOC to ensure an orderly and thorough probe,” she added.
Villaluna added: “Pending the completion of the investigations of the authorities, PAL is unable to issue any further statement on the issue. Rest assured, the investigation is underway to ferret out the truth behind this incident.” (JERRY S. TAN)
