By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said Thursday it is coordinating with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to help verify the luxury vehicles seized under a search warrant at the residence of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya in Pasig City.
At a news briefing in Camp Crame, HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said the BOC sought the group’s assistance in checking the records of the vehicles.
“The BOC asked us to verify eight of the 12 luxury vehicles. We already submitted our validation report, and it is up to the BOC to assess the findings and determine future action,” he said.
The HPG’s report included details, such as vehicle type, country of origin, motor vehicle file number, and registered owner.
He, however, did not provide specifics of their findings, adding that it is up to the BOC whether to release the information publicly.
He also said that while no formal request has been made to inspect the other vehicles owned by the Discayas or contractors being linked to ghost projects, coordination meetings between the PNP and BOC are ongoing.
“For now, there is no formal request, but the HPG is ready to assist once needed. The BOC and HPG continue to hold meetings, and we will provide updates once both agencies finalize their discussions,” Malang said.
This, he added, was part of a broader probe into the questionable wealth of contractors linked to government flood control projects.
The HPG is mandated to inspect and verify all imported vehicles entering the country before registration at the Land Transportation Office, ensuring proper documentation of importation and ownership. (PNA)
