The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) on Thursday agreed to suspend their seizure operations against shipments suspected to be involved in smuggling, following talks with the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI).

The CCBI, the only customs brokers group accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has earlier expressed opposition to the practice of the PASG to detain shipments already cleared by the Bureau of Customs for release based on suspicions of violations.

PASG chief, Undersecretary Antonio Villar said, that they are only doing their function under the mandate given to them by President Arroyo to curb illegal practices in the ports, but assured the brokers’ group that they are always open to suggestions from legitimate stakeholders in order to facilitate effective trade practices for all parties.

However, he said that he will not hesitate to seize shipments if importation procedures have not been followed to the letter.

The CCBI, has in turn pledged to help the PASG attain its objective, with the anti smuggling group vowing to do everything in its power to cleanse the industry of smugglers and create a good business climate. (Angie Chui)