DZIQ: Probe on smuggled ‘hot cars’ starts; big fishes to be named, says rep
MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Big fishes behind the imported smuggled luxury vehicles will be revealed in an investigation conducted by the House of Representatives Monday, a Radyo Inquirer report said.
Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Fariñas, who heads the investigation, was quoted in a Radyo Inquirer report, saying that the hearing will help shed light and solve smuggling cases in the country. He said the spotlight will be particularly harsh on the big fishes behind the smuggling of luxury vehicles.
Farinas promised that the investigation by the sub-committee of the House Committee on Ways and Means, will name those behind the ‘black book’ who are reportedly involved in the smuggling of luxury cars, motorcycles, high-powered guns and ammunition had started Monday, the report said.
Alleged smuggler Lynard Allan Bigcas has denied links to smuggling syndicates.
He maintained that he never knew that the customized Harley Davidson, owned by Hollywood writer Skip Woods, was stolen when he bought it. He admitted that he was able to avoid paying taxes by shipping big bikes in parts, but maintained that he had no ties to smuggling groups.
Bigcas likewise told the members of the House of Representatives that the contents of his ‘black book,’ which held information about his clients and lists of merchandise, were legitimate.
Information contained in the ‘black book’ showed transactions with Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos, Bullet Jalosjos, Mayor Ali, Noah Dimaporo, Colonel Pimentel and a certain ‘Peping.’
Bigcas was the subject of a recent manhunt, after emerging as the man behind a fleet of smuggled luxury vehicles seized by members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at his half-brother’s warehouse in Bukidnon on May 4.
The NBI found the big bike and several other luxury vehicles in the warehouse of Gilbert Omulon Bigcas in Talakag, Bukidnon.
Authorities found Bigcas’ ‘black book’ in his home in Cagayan de Oro.
Quoting Representative Farinas, the report said that a mayor, a house representative, a governor, a police colonel and a Mindanao government official were involved in the smuggling of luxury vehicles that were seized from Bigcas’ warehouse in Bukidnon.
It is really disappointing to know that our country is prone of smuggling issues. Now that the FBI has already entered this case, I really hope that this will be solved with all fairness and justice.
ReplyDeleteMariel from Cagayan de Oro ( http://www.cdokay.com)