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August 1, 2000, The Philippine Star, 987 Cellphones For MILF Communications Seized,

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August 1, 2000, The Philippine Star, 987 Cellphones For MILF Communications Seized,

 

Pasay City, Aug. 1, 2000 - Customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport seized yesterday a shipment of 987 cellular phones believed intended for the use of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is engaged in an armed conflict with the government in Mindanao.

 

The contraband which came from Hong Kong was intercepted by Customs personnel at the arrival area of the NAIA Terminal 1 from the luggage of five MILF members, one of whom was reportedly a cousin of Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Gov. Nur Misuari.

 

"We suspect that the MILF intends to go high-tech in their communications," said Customs District Collector Celso Templo, adding that the number of cellphones was not only in commercial quantity, but their purpose in smuggling them into the country was "highly suspicious."

 

He also said that if the Nokia cellphones would be released, they would find heir way into the hands of the MILF and, as such, "it would be tantamount to aiding the enemy."

 

Abdulmalic Mamaynadig, Abdulracman Panarigan, Saimal Sharief, Achmad Sharief and Mohammad Yassim claimed that they were engaged in the buy and sell business of cellphones, denying the suspicion that the cellphones were intended for the MILF.

 

The cellphones have an estimated value of more than P5 million, according to Tess Roque, Customs deputy collector for passenger service.

 

Roque said that Customs personnel became suspicious of the behavior of the five Muslims who moved from one carousel to another retrieving their luggage which came on board a Cathay Pacific flight Sunday morning from Hong Kong.

 

Roque also said that the cellphones were not covered by any importation permit or authority from the National Telecommunications Commission and, therefore, they were considered contrabands.

 

Templo also said that they are now closely monitoring arrival of electronic equipment in commercial volume following receipt of intelligence reports that the MILF was in need of sophisticated communications instruments which it planned to use in its war with the government.

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