To prevent smuggling city wants check on private wharfs

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City government is calling on authorities to look into the operation of private wharfs in its neighboring areas, fearing the possibility that they are being used to smuggle goods. In its recent meeting, the city’s Police Coordinating Advisory Council (PCAC) disclosed it has received intelligence reports that private wharfs outside Cebu City are “not in any way monitored or regulated.” “It is more than likely that the entry of contrabands to Cebu City and province ensue in these unmonitored private wharfs,” reads the minutes of the meeting furnished to the press. The PCAC considers the reports as “alarming.”

 

“Exchange and transport of smuggled products, drugs and prohibited or illegally-seized goods, and other related illegal activities are also likely to take place in these ports,” the minutes read further.

 

PCAC has requested the PNP Maritime group, the Cebu Port Authority, the Philippine Navy and other law enforcement agencies to look into the wharfs’ operations.