CDC Task Force Aguila beefs up war vs smuggling

By Marie Joy S. Carbungco

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Feb. 10 (PIA) — Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Task Force Aguila (TFA) continues to beef up its efforts against smuggling inside the Freeport.
 
TFA Director Francisco Cruz said their intelligence operations from October 2018 to January 2021 resulted in the seizure and interception of PhP170 million worth of goods.
 
“These operations consisted of 60 incidents of apprehensions, interceptions, and seizures which resulted in the generation of revenues amounting to PhP106,921, 270 that was submitted to the National Treasury. In addition, fines and penalties from locators in the amount of PhP4,248,646 went to CDC,” Cruz said. 
 
Aside from this, the task force also intensified its programs against other illegal activities including illegal online gambling, illegal foreign nationals, and detection of illegal business operations.
 
“We are also keen on our various initiatives to screen potential locators, screen winning bidders and contractors, protect Clark consumers, and improve the network with the intelligence community,” Cruz said. 

Meanwhile, Cruz said they are also geared on enhancing their internal capabilities, as well as strengthen their teamwork and camaraderie thru trainings and seminars anchored on their mantra “One Team, One Creed and One Goal’. 
 
Earlier, CDC-TFA was cited by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for their continuous efforts and support in intensifying operations against smuggling in the country. 
 
In a statement, BoC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero thanked the task force on the apprehension of PhP50 million worth of smuggled items composed of assorted smartphones, and laptops during the height of the COVID 19-pandemic.
 
These items were seized at the order of BoC Clark and were donated to the Department of Education as learning tools for students. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)