BOC to public: Don’t believe it; It’s fake news

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) branded as “fake news” the information circulating on social media that the Rolls Royce it seized from the Discaya couple last month has been seen roaming around Metro Manila.

“The said Rolls-Royce, along with other luxury vehicles confiscated from the Discaya family, remains under the official custody of the BOC.

“All seized vehicles are securely stored under the strict supervision of the Customs Police, safeguarded by physical barriers, security personnel, and inventory controls that prevent any unauthorized access, movement, or release,” the BOC said in a statement.

“It must be emphasized that the plate number of the Rolls-Royce featured in the viral post, NFG 1949, is entirely different from that of the seized vehicle under the Discaya case, which ends with the digits 889.

“This clearly disproves the claim circulating online,” the agency added.

Under the law, the BOC stressed, no seized property may be removed or handled without proper authority and complete documentation.

Any unauthorized release, tampering, or movement of seized items constitutes a serious violation punishable under existing customs laws and regulations, including administrative and criminal penalties.

“Under the new leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the BOC continues to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“The agency remains steadfast in ensuring that all seized properties are safeguarded in accordance with customs laws and regulations,” the statement further said.

The BOC also thanked those who immediately informed them about the proliferation of the fake news in social media.

It earlier announced that the Rolls Royce is among the 13 luxury vehicles of the Discayas that would be auctioned off by next month after confirming they were all smuggled into the country.

Last October 21, Commissioner Nepomuceno and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao inked an agreement to plug the loopholes in their respective systems to prevent the smuggling of motor vehicles.