SBMA, HPG to establish motor vehicle clearance office in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will be working on establishing a Motor Vehicle Clearance Division (MVCD) inside this premier Freeport.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said that the creation of the MVCD satellite office will safeguard the Freeport from the illegal exit of unregistered vehicles

Aliño signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Lt. Col. Jansky Andrew S. Jaafar, Officer-In-Charge of the PNP-HPG’s MVCD on September 29, 2025 at the SBMA administration building.

According to Jaafar, the MVCD is a unit within the Philippine National Police (PNP) that is responsible for issuing motor vehicle clearances, which are primarily required for the transfer of ownership of used vehicles to ensure they are not stolen or involved in criminal activities.

The MVCD office will process and issue Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificates (MVCC) as required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for all vehicles to the general public.

The satellite office will also maintain a database called the Vehicle Information Management System (VIMS) that records or lists alarmed or stolen vehicles. The office will notify the SBMA of an alarmed or stolen motor vehicle, especially when it is being registered under a Subic Bay Freeport locator or resident.

Chairman Aliño said that the creation of the MVCD satellite office will offer added protection by safeguarding the freeport from unscrupulous individuals who plan to use the area to register alarmed or stolen vehicles.

“The SBMA is more than willing to work hand-in-hand with other government agencies in ensuring the safety and security within and around the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and deter people from conducting illegal activities in the area,” he added. (MPD-SBMA) 

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SBMA, Subic Grain Terminal test safety response operations in simulation exercises

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal Services Incorporated (SBFGTSI) conducted a simulation exercise (SimEx) at the latter’s premises inside this premier Freeport on April 4, 2025.

 

According to SBMA Seaport Department SimEx Director Diego P. Aviles, the activity dubbed “Responding to Active Shooter and Barricaded Scenario” was conducted to test procedures and contingency plans for security and safety response operations of both the SBMA and SBFGTSI.

 

“This exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations. Our objective is to test the security communication protocol in response to an active shooter and barricaded incident,” Aviles said.

 

He added that the SimEx also aims to assess coordination between security personnel and Emergency Response Units of SBFGTSI and the Law Enforcement Department (LED), and to evaluate the effectiveness and readiness of handling such emergencies following the Port Facility Security Plan.

 

Part of the exercise was conducted to test the response capabilities of the SBMA Seaport Department, and the LED, specifically the Special Weapons and Tactics team, Traffic Branch, and K-9 Unit, as well as the Public Health and Safety Department in terms of emergency response.

 

Aviles, along with SBFGTSI Terminal Manager Engr. Carlito Faustino and SBFGTSI port facility safety officer Gilbert Espiel, reiterated that this exercise offers a unique opportunity for all participants to carry out response operations and to test procedures and contingency plans on security, safety, and any emergency response operations.

 

“This exercise would not have been made possible without the collaboration between the SBFGTSI and SBMA,” Aviles said. (MPD-SBMA)

 

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NBI, SBMA joint ops lead to arrest of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in kidnapping, illegal POGO

A joint enforcement operation between the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) was conducted against Chinese nationals at the Grande Island here on March 19, 2025.

 

Led by NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago, the operation resulted to the arrest of six foreign nationals and two Filipino nationals, including Chinese national Qiu Feng, whose real name is Ye Tianwu (also known as Qing Feng).

 

Ye Tianwu was arrested for violations under Republic Act 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code, and RA 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

 

Aside from Ye Tianwu, Philippine authorities also apprehended Xu Xining; Ye Xiaocan; Su Anlong; and He Peng; along with Cambodian Ang Deck/Dick; and Filipinos Melvin Mañosa Aguillon, Jr. and Jeffrey Espiridion, who are employees of Ang Deck/Dick. The authorities recovered mutiple cellphones and laptops, one caliber 9mm firearm, and 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

 

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the efforts of the inter-agency group led by Director Santiago to apprehend suspects, and assured that “Subic Bay Freeport is NOT a safe haven for lawbreakers.”

 

The arrest exposes the unlawful nature, including suspected espionage and kidnapping activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), for which some foreign nationals are using Grande Island under the guise of private enterprises. Such activities, which may be part of larger criminal network operations, pose a serious threat to our national security.

 

The Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed the report, citing that the DENR looks forward to working with the concerned agencies, including the SBMA, in exploring the possibility of declaring Grande Island, along with nearby Chiquita Island, as military reservations.

 

“This will ultimately help secure the operations of the Subic Special Economic Zone including the Riviera Wharf and the Subic Bay International Airport, in consonance with the ongoing development of the naval operating base of the Philippine Navy to strengthen and maintain our strategic presence along our western seaboard.” (MPD-SBMA)

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BI, SBMA arrest 6 undocumented Chinese nationals in Subic Freeport

The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), arrested six undocumented Chinese nationals at Trillo Bay Villas here on December 12, 2024.

According to the SBMA, the six were apprehended after BI officials, together with SBMA operatives, implemented mission orders to arrest the suspects inside Kim’s Apartment, a rented apartment inside the villa.

 

The six Chinese nationals identified as Yongfeng Huang, Guo Jun, Hong Xiaojun, Bai Shiping, Guo Shiquan, and Gan Ning, were arrested for violation of Rule 9, Section 1 of SBM-2015-010 for being undocumented. 

Huang was the only one who was able to present a passport. All six were taken to the BI head office in Intramuros, Manila where they will be detained while their case is being processed. 

The BI officials said that the arrested suspects were apprised of their constitutional rights under RA7438 “in the language they can fully understand and in a manner that they could fully comprehend.” 

Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs and Manager of the Labor Department Atty. Melvin Varias said that the six are among the 57 Chinese nationals who used to work for TeleEmpire Incorporated and were documented during their employment at the said accredited back office solutions provider in Subic Bay Freeport.

Of the 57 Chinese nationals who worked there, six of them returned to their home country, while 51 were unaccounted. Of the 51 unaccounted, 20 were arrested during a raid in Kalayaan at a house that was used as an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility. The recently arrested six were part of the 51 unaccounted employees. 

Atty. Varias added that the agency and the BI are in close coordination to ensure that all the undocumented Chinese nationals who worked for the said company will be documented and accounted for. (MPD-SBMA)

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Worker found dead in barracks

A man who worked as maintenance staff at the Subic Bay Freeport Grain Terminal here was found dead beside his bed at the company barracks on Friday.

Jimmy Gonzaga Ocaña Jr., 40 years old, was found lifeless by his co-workers around 5:45 a.m. on May 1, according to initial reports by the Intelligence and Investigation Office (IIO) of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The victim was a resident of Marikina City, who worked for the company operating a grain terminal at the Cubi Point here.

Ocaña was staying in the barracks, as he was caught in the lockdown under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and could not go back to his hometown, it was learned.

The SBMA has required companies authorized to operate under the ECQ to provide accommodations inside the Freeport for their workers.

The SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD), meanwhile, ruled out that it was Covid-19 related since he did not show any symptom like fever or cough, and had no history of travel or exposure.

Ocaña had reportedly consulted a doctor about some pain in his leg, and was prescribed some pain killer before being sent home.

Co-workers said he again complained about leg pain while having dinner Thursday night and later asked for help in going up the short flight of stairs to their barracks.

They added that when they woke up the next day, they saw Ocaña lying face down beside his bed. When they tried to wake him up, the victim was no longer responding.

His co-workers then called the attention of company officials who called the SBMA Law Enforcement Department for help.

Personnel from the SBMA PHSD also arrived and checked on the victim, but the attending physician declared that Ocaña was already dead.

The Philippine National Police in Morong, Bataan has said there was no apparent foul play in the death of the victim. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

The workers’ barracks is cordoned off during an investigation into Ocaña’s death

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SBMA padlocks cigarette maker for tax evasion

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) closed down a cigarette manufacturer in this Freeport for tax evasion amidst a crackdown on companies here that fail to pay appropriate taxes and follow government regulations.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma identified the company as Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp., which is engaged in the transshipment, packaging and repacking of tobacco products.

Eisma and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 3 Director Ed Tolentino led a joint SBMA-BIR team on Friday in inspecting the facilities of six cigarette manufacturers at the Gateway Park here to flush out those involved in the circulation of untaxed and fake cigarette products in the country.

During the inspection, it was found out that Qiu Tobacco, which produces cigarette brands like Belmont, Navy and D&B, did not have excise tax stamps on their soft packs.

A Chinese national who was caretaker at the facility said the cigarette brands were sold outside the country. But the joint SBMA-BIR team noted that the cigarettes had markings indicating they were intended for Philippine market.

Tolentino said this was a violation of Sec. 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, which prohibits the possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of tax. Excise tax is a duty on manufactured goods which is levied at the moment of manufacture, rather than at sale.

The BIR official added that the lack of stamps meant the firm was not paying the proper tax for each pack that was manufactured and sold.

At the same time, the Qiu representative at the facility was not able to present a copy of the firm’s Certificate of Registration and Tax Exemption (CRTE). Eisma said this was a violation of an SBMA requirement to display the CRTE in company facilities.

A check with the SBMA Business and Investment Group indicated that Qiu Tobacco was issued a CRTE on December 5 last year. The permit was good until May 31, 2021.

Eisma said, however, that because of its failure to pay excise taxes, the company will be closed until further notice from the BIR.

The SBMA chief also reiterated that it was the agency’s mandate to ensure that all companies inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone are paying their taxes properly.

She added that if a company complies with the law and the rules and regulations of the agency, the SBMA will protect that company. “If not, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law,” Eisma said. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma and BIR Regional Investigation team member Gene Bragais (left) through an interpreter question the caretaker of the Qiu Tobacco Industrial Co. Ltd. Corp. (right) during inspection of the firm’s cigarette-manufacturing facility on Sept. 27. (MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA police nabs Chinese carnap suspect

Security officers of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) arrested a Chinese national here at the Subic Freeport after he and a companion took a vehicle at knifepoint along the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX).

Investigators at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department identified the suspect as Bin Zhang, 24 years old, with address at Silver City 4 Condominium in Pasig City.

Bin was arrested by SBMA security officers at 9:05 p.m. on Sunday at the vicinity of the Subic Gateway Hub where the stolen vehicle, a white Hyundai Starex with plate number KOP-347, was recovered earlier.

Investigators said Bin did not speak any English and his companion, who is yet to be identified, still remained at large as of Monday morning.

According to complainant George Villanueva, an on-call driver from Kawit, Cavite, he picked up the two suspects at Ortigas in Manila at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday upon the instruction of his boss, a certain Mr. Wong.

Villanueva said he was told to bring the passengers to Buma Hotel in the Subic Bay Freeport.

However, upon reaching the Tipo Gate of the SFEX at about 6:00 p.m., the suspects allegedly poked him with a cutter knife. Villanueva escaped and the culprits immediately drove away toward the Subic Bay Freeport.

Villanueva thereafter sought the help of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway patrol and at 7:53 p.m. found the stolen vehicle parked near a bank along the Rizal Highway here.

Responding SBMA security officers soon apprehended Bin at the Gateway Park area at 9:05 p.m.

The suspect was later turned over to the Philippine National Police office in Hermosa, Bataan for proper filing of the case.

Under Philippine law, carnapping is a crime punishable with imprisonment for not less than thirty (30) years and one (1) day but not more than forty (40) years, when it is committed by means of violence against or intimidation of persons, or force upon things.

Moreover, aliens convicted under the provisions of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 are to be deported immediately after service of sentence without further proceedings by the Deportation Board. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO: 

Suspect Bin Zhang after his arrest by SBMA security officers (MPD-SBMA)

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DENR wants Subic, Clark freeports monitored vs wildlife trade

THE Clark and Subic Freeport zones have become convenient gateways of wildlife violators that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for the strict monitoring of two freeports against wildlife trade.

DENR enforcement division chief Fred Sadueste said the cooperation and active participation of different enforcement agencies of the government is a big boost to sustain the efforts in wildlife law enforcement.

"Central Luzon is a hub to Subic and Clark Freeport Zones, these have been the convenient gateway of wildlife violators for doing their illegal wildlife activities," he said in a training-seminar held recently.

He said these gateways must be strictly monitored to prevent any wildlife trade activities.

"We need every law enforcement agency not just involved, but trained extensively on how to correctly and efficiently handle wildlife cases," he added.

The call came after the DENR, in a bid to put an end to illegal wildlife trade in Central Luzon, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), recently conducted a one-day training and orientation to some 60 officials and personnel of Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine National Police (PNP), PNP Maritime Group, the Subic Bay Ecology Center and Law Enforcement Office and the local government of Subic, which was held in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

According to Michael Lopez, DENR wildlife officer in Central Luzon, the training aimed to strengthen the knowledge of the participants on various local and international policies governing wildlife trade.

"Our target here is to enhance and upgrade also the skills and competencies of various law enforcement agencies of the government in monitoring illegal wildlife trade on various ports like the Subic Bay area and the Clark International Airport to arrest wildlife criminals," he said.

Some of the topics and policies that were discussed during the training were the Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites) and the Republic Act 9147 or the Philippine Wildlife Act, the illegal ivory and wildlife trade and national and international responses, and the wildlife enforcement protocols in airports and seaports.

DENR records show that seven vulnerable wildlife, including four pangolins and three cobras both under the "red list" of animals threatened with extinction by the international union for the conservation of nature were turned over to the DENR after a successful operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Clark International Airport against a suspected Chinese wildlife smuggler in 2016.

In 2017, the joint wildlife enforcement operation of DENR and NBI in Bulacan resulted in the seizure of more than 100 illegally traded animals, including the blue-naped parrot and Palawan hill myna, both considered as endangered species. (Ian Ocampo Flora, Sun Star)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819808

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PLDT-Subic donates police outposts to SBMA

Seven new police outposts were turned over by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company-Subic (PLDT Subic) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as part of the company’s contribution to promote safety and security in this Freeport.

PLDT Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto formally presented the donation to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma after unveiling an outpost located on Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo St. near the Subic main gate recently.

The seven outposts, which cost more than P1 million, sported a brand-new look with its bold black theme and vibrant SBMA emergency hotlines painted on walls.

Four new outposts are located at Subic’s Central Business District: Rizal Highway corner Argonaut Highway; Rizal Highway corner Burgos Street; Rizal Highway corner Aguinaldo Street; and Rizal Highway corner Manila Avenue.

Three others are at the Binictican housing area: one at the Binictican main sentry station; one more at the sentry near Pamulaklakin Village; and the third at the sentry gate going to El Kabayo.

PLDT Subictel officials said this corporate social responsibility (CSR) project includes the repair and repainting of the existing security outpost at the Kalayaan main sentry station.

They added that the company would also put emergency phone numbers for the Binictican and Kalayaan housing areas on the police outposts located therein.

Meanwhile, Chairman Eisma expressed the agency’s appreciation for Subictel’s continued support in the SBMA’s safety and security program for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

She reiterated that the PLDT-Subictel CSR project is a testament to the company’s “malasakit” for this premier free port.

The Subic Telecommunications Co., or Subictel, is a subsidiary of PLDT and operates the telephone system in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA Chairman Wilma Eisma (center) with PLDT-Subictel Chairman Eric Alberto and other officials of the SBMA and Subictel during the turnover ceremony for the new police outposts donated by PLDT.

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SBMA creates anti-littering task force

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) created an anti-littering task force to effectively implement its no-littering policy and set fines to discourage violations.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said that the agency has started enforcing a policy that prohibits dumping or throwing of garbage, rubbish or any kind of waste in parks, roads, beach, forests, rivers, streams or on any open or public place inside the Freeport.

It is also illegal under the policy for anybody to urinate, defecate, dispose of cigarette butts, or spit in public places.

To ensure effective implementation of the no-littering policy, Eisma issued an order creating the SBMA Anti-Littering Task Force manned by marshals from the SBMA Ecology Center, Law Enforcement Department, Maintenance and Transportation Department, and Tourism Department.

She said these personnel are deputized to apprehend violators and recommend issuance of Notice of Violation (NoV) to any Subic Bay Freeport Zone establishment caught violating the policy.

She also said the agency has imposed a fine of PHP1,500 and four hours of community service for individual offenders and pet handlers found violating the policy.

The same fine of PHP1,500 and four hours of community service will be imposed for Subic Bay Freeport residents for littering, or improper or untimely stacking of garbage outside their residences.

Meanwhile, stiffer penalty will be given to violators among business establishments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone: PHP50,000 per day of violation for each count of littering, improper or untimely stacking of garbage outside the establishment, and for garbage with leaking foul odor.

Eisma urged the public to help in enforcement and report incidents of littering, including the license plate number of violators, to the Law Enforcement Department at 911 (landline) or 9111 (mobile) or to the “No Kalat” hotline at 09176852528.

The no-littering policy took off from SBMA’s war on waste (WOW) program, as well as the agency’s thrust to enhance public awareness on environmental "malasakit" (concern).

Last month, the SBMA banned single-use plastic like stirrers, forks and spoons, straws, cups, and take-out food bags inside SBMA workplaces.

The SBMA advised canteens, stores and other food establishments here to use alternative food packaging.

“We should show good example and walk the talk,” Eisma said as she encouraged SBMA employees and Freeport companies to join the “straw-less” drive, ban on single-use plastics, and the agency’s recyclables collection program. (Ruben Veloria, PNA)

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SBMA bans single-use plastics in workplaces

Starting October 1, single-use plastics which are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled, will no longer be allowed in workplaces of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the agency has banned single-use plastics as part of its solution to the growing global problem of pollution.

Single-use plastics, or disposable plastics, include plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, as well as soda and water bottles which form part of most food packaging.

“We should show good example and walk the talk,” Eisma said in a September 19 advisory to SBMA employees. “I implore everyone in SBMA to refrain from using single-use plastics in their workplace,” she added.

She said that canteens, stores and other food establishments in SBMA buildings have already been advised not to use plastic articles anymore.

Exempted from this regulation are goods in original plastic packaging. These, however, cannot be placed in new plastic bag or container upon purchase by consumers.

Aside from enforcing the single-use plastics ban, the SBMA will urge business locators here to join the “strawless” campaign, the recyclables collection program, and cooperate in an intensified anti-littering drive that will be implemented this coming October to further strengthen the agency’s War on Waste (WOW) campaign.

Eisma said that single-use plastics account for most of marine pollution in the Subic Bay area, as could be seen from the trash that periodically pile up on the Freeport’s coastline mostly after typhoons or heavy rains.

“These plastic items are not only pollutive and harmful to wildlife and humans alike, but they also become an eyesore that negatively impact on the image of Subic as world-class Freeport,” Eisma said.

“There is already a standing ban on the use of plastic bags and Styrofoam packaging in the whole Subic Freeport, and now we are backing this up with the ban on single-use plastics and our strawless campaign because there is really an urgent need to save the environment — and this includes public health — from further degradation,” she added.

According to SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya dela Llana, the intensified no-littering policy to be implemented in the Subic Bay Freeport aims to stop the dumping or throwing of garbage, rubbish or any kind of waste in parks, roads, beaches, forests, rivers, streams or on any open or public place in the Subic Freeport.

The same policy also makes it illegal for anybody to urinate, defecate or spit in public places, or throw cigarette butts anywhere in public areas.

Dela Llana added that it would also be illegal to dispose of litter from a boat or ship into a water body, and to transport uncovered, spilling, or leaking waste or waste containers within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The SBMA has set penalties for violators of the anti-littering rule: P1,500 for individual offenders and pet handlers, who would have the option to render four hours of community service instead; and P50,000 for companies or establishments per day until the violation is corrected.

The public is enjoined to report incidents of littering, as well as particulars like the license plate number of violators, to the SBMA Law Enforcement Department at 911 (landline) or 9111 (mobile) or to the No Kalat Hotline at 09176852528. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Volunteers pick up wastes washed up along the shore in the Subic Bay Freeport. (MPD-SBMA)

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State-of-the-art CCTV system up in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has installed a state-of-the-art monitoring system that provides a live feed of images from remote surveillance areas all around the Subic Freeport to boost security operations and public safety here.

The system consisted of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in various areas of the Freeport that are viewed from a bank of monitors and a LED (light-emitting diode) wall at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) command center.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma inspected the new monitoring system on Sunday, along with SBMA Deputy Administrator Rani Cruz, LED Manager Vicente Tolentino, and LED Operations Chief Gerardo Johnson, and observed how the system is operated remotely.

Aside from watching the live streaming of videos taken from some of the busiest areas in the Freeport, Eisma also tried the public address system hook-up installed in areas like the Boardwalk Activity Center and the Malawaan Park, and reminded visitors to pick up their trash before leaving the area.

The system allows the simultaneous viewing of live images from 96 different camera angles.

“It’s quite impressive,” SBMA chief described the system. “And I hope that this will be something really effective not only in crime prevention, but also in promoting public safety and environmental protection in the Freeport,” she added.

Eisma also pointed out that the SBMA’s modern monitoring system was made possible with funding from Common Use Service Area (CUSA) fees collected by the Subic agency from business locators, residents, as well as tourists entering the Freeport.

“Now that we have this state-of-the-art monitoring system, violators can easily be detected and apprehended. Subic is known for its strict enforcement of traffic rules, as well as for its high level of security, and this system brings us to a higher level of police work,” she added.

According to SBMA police chief Vicente Tolentino, most of the tourist sites in the Freeport are now covered by the CCTV system that was recently installed by Wireless Link Technologies, Inc., a leading wireless technology provider based in Manila.

Aside from these, PLDT Subictel has also installed CCTVs at the sentry posts of three housing areas in Subic: Binictican, Kalayaan, and Cubi.

The SBMA will be paying for the system installation contracted out to Wireless Link Technologies, but the cameras provided by PLDT Subictel were for free, Eisma said.

All these CCTVs are monitored 24/7 by LED officers inside the command center, Tolentino said, adding that the system will allow police officers to closely monitor areas for any illegal activity and give them faster reaction time to apprehend suspects.

“We want people to know that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is one of the safest places in the country, where they could relax without fear of being accosted by criminal elements. At the same time, we want criminal elements to know that we are ready for them and that we can monitor their every move here,” Tolentino said.

The SBMA police head added that the more security monitoring systems will be put in place in other areas of the Freeport under the second phase of the agency’s CCTV program. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:

SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, along with other SBMA officials, views images fed live through a CCTV system at the SBMA Law Enforcement Department’s control room on Sunday.

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SBMA bans 3 brokers in P40-M liquor smuggling try

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has blacklisted three customs brokers for involvement in the attempted smuggling here recently of expensive liquor worth around P40 million.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said this was the initial action of the agency in connection with the smuggling attempt that was foiled by the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) just before Christmas.

The SBMA Seaport Department has identified the blacklisted brokers as Ellen Baylon, an authorized representative of the brokerage firm Alava Alliance, Inc.; John Louie Pabico, a processor of Phil-Hohan International Corp.; and Cherry Springael, a freelance processor and authorized representative of Alava Alliance.

“These persons have been banned from doing business with the SBMA Seaport, and the companies they represented have been placed on indefinite suspension pending the final results of investigation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC),” Eisma added.

She added that the BOC, which received custody of the smuggled items from the SBMA, will also file appropriate criminal charges against the brokers for violation of the Customs and Tariff Act, as well as Republic Act 7227, or the Bases Conversion and Development Act.

“Let this serve as a warning that Subic authorities won’t tolerate illegal activities in the Freeport, and we will apply the full measure of the law in cases like this,” Eisma added.

The SBMA said earlier that its law enforcement operatives seized a total of 1,321 boxes of liquor from a closed van that was about to leave the Freeport on Dec. 24, and from a 40-footer container van parked at the Subic Seaport Terminal on Dec. 28.

The seized contraband included 54 bottles of Remy Martin Louis XIII, which sells as much as P170,000 per bottle, and eight boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, which fetches P60,000 per bottle.

The SBMA police began the operation on Christmas Eve after a tipster informed them that a closed van and a Nissan Patrol SUV would attempt to smuggle contraband from the Freeport.

Subsequently, SBMA-LED operatives posted along the Argonaut Highway leading to Subic’s sea ports monitored the vehicles and tailed them to the 14th Street Gate where they were stopped by sentries.

The Fuso van, bearing File No. 036404 of BCR Trucking, was found to contain 275 boxes of Remy Martin Cognac Champagne, 448 boxes of Martini, 66 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 17 boxes of Remy Martin Champagne, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, 7 boxes of Remy Martin Club, and 7 boxes of Remy Martin.

The driver, identified as 41-year old Julio Flores, as well as the helper, 46-year old Marvin Arcega, failed to present necessary documents when accosted by the police, the SBMA-LED said in a report.

Under investigation, Flores reported that he picked up the merchandise from the Subic Seaport Terminal Inc. (SSTI) at the Boton Pier here on instruction of a certain “Ed” who rented his truck for the pickup.

Flores added that a certain “Cherry” assured him that the goods were ready for exit at Subic’s Tipo gate even without any document because two other trucks with similar load were able to exit so.

With this information, SBMA operatives conducted a follow-up operation on Thursday that led them to a white Isuzu Giga cab with the markings “Sinfa Logistics Inc.” that was parked at the SSTI’s Boton Pier facility. The 40-footer container yielded 333 boxes of Remy Martin, 196 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 1 box of Remy Martin Club, 1 box of Martini, 2 boxes of Remy Martin, and 10 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII.

Eisma said the SBMA police conducted an inventory of the smuggled items in the presence of representatives from the Bureau of Customs, the SBMA Seaport Department and members of the media before turning over the confiscated items and the vehicles containing them to the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Subic. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

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SBMA police seize P40 million smuggled liquor

Police operatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) foiled an attempt to smuggle more than P40-million worth of liquor here and seized the contraband even before they could be spirited out of the Subic Bay Freeport on Christmas Eve.

The SBMA Law Enforcement Department seized a total of 1,321 boxes of expensive liquor from a closed van that was about to leave the Freeport on Dec. 24, and from a 40-footer container van parked at the Subic Seaport Terminal.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma lauded the alertness and efficacy of the SBMA law enforcers in foiling the smuggling attempt.

“Some unscrupulous parties would really take advantage of the Christmas season to try to pull away illegal activities in the Freeport, but this only proves that the SBMA Law Enforcement Department is ready at all times to do their duty,” Eisma said after receiving the report.

“This is a job well done for the SBMA and another huge failure for those who try to use Subic for their smuggling operation,” Eisma added.

According to a report by Maj. Vicente Tolentino, head of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department, the seized contraband included 54 bottles of Remy Martin Louis XIII, which sells as much as P170,000 per bottle, and eight boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, which fetches P60,000 per bottle.

Tolentino said the SBMA police began the operation on Christmas Eve after a tipster informed them that a closed van and a Nissan Patrol SUV would attempt to smuggle contraband from the Freeport.

He said that operatives posted along the Argonaut Highway monitored the vehicles and tailed them to the 14th Street Gate where they were stopped by sentries.

The Fuso van, bearing File No. 036404 of BCR Trucking, was driven by 41-year old Julio Flores, along with helper Marvin Arcega, 46 years old. The two failed to present necessary documents when accosted by the police, Tolentino said.

The van contained 275 boxes of Remy Martin Cognac Champagne, 448 boxes of Martini, 66 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 17 boxes of Remy Martin Champagne, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII, 8 boxes of Remy Martin Centaure De Diamant, 7 boxes of Remy Martin Club, and 7 boxes of Remy Martin.

A follow-up operation on Thursday led operatives to a white Isuzu Giga cab with the markings “Sinfa Logistics Inc.”, which was parked at the Subic Seaport Terminal in the Boton Wharf.

The 40-footer container van on its trailer contained the rest of the contraband: 333 boxes of Remy Martin, 196 boxes of Remy Martin XO, 1 box of Remy Martin Club, 1 box of Martini, 2 boxes of Remy Martin, and 10 boxes of Remy Martin Louis XIII.

Tolentino said the SBMA police conducted an inventory of the smuggled items last Thursday and Friday in the presence of representatives from the Bureau of Customs, the SBMA Seaport Department and members of the media.

On Friday, Tolentino formally turned over the items and the vehicles containing them to Ciriaco Ugay, OIC-Collector of the Bureau of Customs in the Port of Subic. (JEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

SBMA police operatives and workers unload boxes of smuggled liquor for inventory at the Law Enforcement Department office on Friday. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

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LOOK: SBMA Law Enforcement Department Exercises

Members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) pin down suspects during a recent simulated hostage rescue operation at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The department exercise, which is held periodically to bring Subic police officers on alert at all times, involved elements from Traffic, Special Weapons and Tactics, and K-9 branches.

Members of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) form an assault team during a recent simulated hostage rescue operation at the Subic Bay Freeport.

(AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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6 recovered ‘rent-a-car-scam’ vehicles turned over to NBI

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) formally turned over to the custody of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) six vehicles allegedly involved in a “rent/sangla car modus operandi” that were recovered inside an import-export yard here.

The turnover held Thursday (March 9) was led by SBMA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Atty. Randy Escolango and NBI-Olongapo Special Investigator Norman Revita in the presence of PO3 Allan Ednave of Olongapo City Police, SPO2 Angelito Gapay of PNP Highway Patrol Group, Maj. Vicente Tolentino of SBMA Law Enforcement Department and Ichiban manager Bienvenido Perez.

The vehicles consisting of a white Toyota Fortuner (AOA 9361), white Toyota Hi-Ace (PZI 851), black Toyota HiAce (AKA 8187), silver Toyota Hi-Ace (UEO 559), black Mitsubishi Montero (conduction sticker: NI 2417) and maroon Mitsubishi Montero (CS: NE 3182) were discovered inside Ichiban building.

Ichiban Import-Export Corporation is an import and recondition facility of used trucks and construction machineries from Japan for sale to local market or for re-export to the international market, located in Argonaut Highway, Lower Mau Camp, inside the Freeport.

In a report by SBMA police, owners Roy Galang, Jerry Galang, Joseph dela Cruz and Mac Lawrence Pilamor claimed that their vehicles were rented by certain Earl Meredith and Roldan Bernaldo, in April 2016 and December 2016. However, the vehicles were never returned since until they received information that the vehicles were being kept inside Ichiban building.

At 6:50 a.m. of March 8, policemen from SBMA, Olongapo City and HPG (R3), and victim-owners Roy Galang, Jerry Galang, Charina Ticsay and Angil Dave Zafra trooped to Ichiban and found their missing vehicles, a Toyota Commuter Van (PZI 851), Toyota Grandia (AKA 8187), Toyota Grandia (UEO 559) and Toyota Fortuner (AOA 9361).

Hours later, one Leslie de Vera, appeared at SBMA Law Enforcement Department to claim two Mitsubishi Montero (NE 3182 and NI 2417) which were also found at Ichiban. (Ruben Veloria, Journal.com.ph)

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/provincial/6-recovered-rent-a-car-scam-vehicles-turned-over-to-nbi

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SBMA UPDATE #2: STOLEN RENTED VEHICLES RECOVERED AS A RESULT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN PNP, NBI and SBMA

Through hard work and cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), six stolen vehicles inside the Subic Bay Freeport were recovered.

The PNP, NBI and the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) are working together to crack the case and will continue to do so until everyone involved had been brought to justice.

Authorities recovered last night (March 8) six commuter vehicles at the Ichiban yard inside the Freeport that were allegedly rented and never returned to its owners since December last year by suspect Roldan Bernardo.

We assure the public that the SBMA will not let up until the perpetrators are dealt with accordingly. The SBMA will not allow the Freeport to become a haven of any form of criminality.

ATTY. WILMA AMY EISMA
SBMA Administrator

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STATEMENT OF THE SBMA ON THE REPORTED THEFT AND RECOVERY OF SIX RENT-A-CAR VEHICLES (UPDATED)

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will not tolerate any form of criminality inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (Freeport). Anyone caught committing any criminal offense within the Freeport will be dealt with the full extent of the law.

The SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Olongapo City are working together to investigate the reported theft of six rental vehicles recovered tonight (March 8) at the Ichiban yard inside the Freeport.

Authorities have now identified the suspect as a certain Roldan Bernardo who allegedly rented in December 2016 two commuter vehicles and a Grandia van from complainants Roy and Gerry Galang of  Olongapo City, owners of the said vehicles for rent.

Also spotted at the yard by authorities were two more vehicles believed to have also been rented by the suspect- a Toyota Fortuner reportedly owned by a Mr. Zafra and two units of Mitsubishi Montero.

The SBMA shall actively monitor the case and will assist in any way to ensure that proper charges will be filed against the suspect.

Again, we issue this warning: The SBMA will be tough on anyone who will be caught violating law and order inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

ATTY. WILMA AMY EISMA
SBMA Administrator

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Network vs illicit trade launched in Subic Freeport

Representatives of various community sectors here formed on Thursday a grassroots network of volunteers to help fight illegal business activities in support of the Duterte administration’s drive against smuggling and counterfeit goods.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) organized the network as a public-private partnership under the Fight Illicit Trade (Fight IT) Movement, which it had earlier established along its anti-illicit trade advocacy.

FPI Chairman Jesus Arranza, who is also Fight IT lead convener, said the movement brings together volunteers from local government units, law-enforcement agencies, business chambers, educational institutions, civic organizations and other community groups to commit in the campaign against illicit trade.

“Through the Fight IT Warriors network, the movement will be able to provide reliable intelligence to law-enforcement groups that will help them in tackling the illicit-trade problem,” Arranza said.

A recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) commissioned by European Chamber of Commerce said Southeast Asian countries are at the bottom of the pack when it comes to the fight against illicit trade. Worse still, the problem could grow, the EIU added.

Arranza said the Subic Bay Freeport was chosen for the launch of the movement because of its “strong sense of volunteerism and civic spirit supporting the administration in its programs, especially in the enforcement of laws and regulations.”

Subic’s strategic location as a regional transshipment hub, with an active port that handles tons of shipments daily, also makes it an ideal site for the kickoff, he added.

Around 300 volunteers were sworn in as the movement’s Fight IT Warriors during the movement’s launching at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on Thursday.

Accordingly, the “warriors” pledged to report sightings of fake or smuggled goods, as well as suspected illicit-trade practices in their communities to help authorities apprehend and prosecute illegal traders.

The volunteers were also tasked to join and actively participate in initiatives fostering illicit-trade awareness and enforcement issues, trainings on counterfeit spotting and identification, and workshops to enforce actions against trademark violators.

Most important of all, network members pledged to promote the purchase of genuine products to show full support to the movement’s advocacy.

Meanwhile, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Martin Diño, who welcomed participants to the launch, expressed his full support to the movement.

“The entire Subic community joins our administration’s relentless campaign against criminality and corruption. And among the steps we are about to take is to flag the presence of illegal activities and raise the problem of illicit trade to the fore,” Diño said.

In the same occasion, The Fight IT Movement unveiled its full-feature web site www.fightillicittrade.com, which features a reporting mechanism for warriors as well as the general public. The site ensures the confidentiality of the sources’ identity, movement leaders said.

The public can also report sightings of illicit products in local areas through the web site and its local hotline 722-3409. (Henry Empeño, BusinessMirror)

PHOTO:
“Fight IT Warriors” from the Lyceum of Subic signify their commitment to help combat illegal trade during the launch of the Fight Illicit Trade (Fight IT) Movement at the Subic Bay Freeport on Thursday. (HEE, BusinessMirror)

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/network-vs-illicit-trade-launched-in-subic-freeport/

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MMDA wants Subic's traffic discipline culture emulated in Metro Manila streets

The implementation of the no contact apprehension policy of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) aims to create a “behavioral” and "cultural” change among the drivers to observe road discipline, just like in Subic Bay Freeport.

This, after at least 176 motorists and drivers have been caught violating traffic rules on major thoroughfares in the first two hours of yesterday’s relaunching of the no contact apprehension policy of the MMDA.

It is only in Subic Freeport where motorists are aware and follow its "first to stop-first to go" policy on intersections.

“Drivers are capable of being disciplined, like they do when they are inside the Subic freeport. That’s what we hope to achieve,” MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said, citing that “once you prohibit, consistently it would be cultural change.”

Amid the number of recorded violations, Carlos said the kickoff of the new policy seemed to create a “chilling effect” on drivers plying EDSA.

“There was light vehicular flow from East Avenue to Cubao area, Osmena Avenue, some parts of EDSA during rush hour Friday morning and payday,” said Carlos.

Based on the agency’s monitoring, common violations include obstruction, reckless driving, prohibited loading and unloading on non-designated zones, overspeeding, and banned entering of underpasses.

Showing their seriousness, some agency personnel delivered a summon to Joanna Jess bus firm located in Western Bicutan, Taguig City, to inform them that one of their drivers violated the no loading/unloading zone.

For drivers who will contest their violation, Carlos said they are welcome to present their own evidence.

“You can bring your own video if you have dashcam. In this policy we are giving the motorists all the opportunities to contest but the same time, we will look at the circumstances,” said Carlos.

In case drivers are apprehended manually for the same violation, one ticket will be cancelled. For different violations, drivers can be apprehended multiple times.

A 15-man team is manning the No Contact Policy Office in the MMDA headquarters, tasked to monitor CCTV footage for traffic violations.

Carlos said the violators may receive their summons in less than a week, depending how far their residences are.

The policy also hopes to stop the “padrino” system involving policemen and politicians and even bribery and extortion opportunities involving traffic enforcers.

“If there is a denial from the driver, that’s only his defense. It will be his word against the video captured,” said Carlos.

The driver will not be able to renew his vehicle registration until the fines are settled.

Carlos also warned drivers from lying as those who will be caught lying will be charged with perjury, which carries a penalty of possible imprisonment.

“If the vehicle is not registered, we will report them to LTO,” said Carlos, adding that those who oppose the now policy are welcome to visit the Metrobase. (Manila Bulletin)

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/mmda-captures-176-motorist-violations-on-video-in-2-hours-of-no-contact-policy/

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