Angelo ‘Sonny’ Lopez Jr., Manager, Public Relations Department Clark Development Corporation, clarified that the reported smuggled diesel being sold by a gas station in San Simon, Pampanga did not come from Clark Freeport Zone.

“First and foremost, the case against the erring gas station was heard and decided by Mr. Edward P. dela Cuesta, District Collector, Port of Clark, and does not necessarily mean that the incident happened inside Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ), or that the contraband diesel fuel was sourced from the Clark Freeport.

“Second, the gasoline station’s illegal activities in San Simon, Pampanga do not equate to any wrongdoing within the Clark Freeport Zone simply due to its proximity.

“The subsequent hearings were conducted at the Clark Customs office until the final decision was penned by the District Collector only because San Simon, Pampanga is within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs, Port of Clark.”

Lopez added that Clark Development Corporation continues to actively participate in the programs of the Bureau of Customs, including the curtailment of illegal activities and contraband within the Clark Freeport Zone.