Manila: Two major ports of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently destroyed abandoned and non-compliant imported goods with an estimated value of PHP1.6 million. According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau reported on Friday that the BOC - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) conducted the condemnation and proper disposal of 340 Air Waybills (AWBs) containing over 35.6 tons of abandoned and forfeited goods with an estimated value of PHP1.45 million.

The cargoes, originating from various countries, consisted of vape products, dysfunctional equipment, foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and other general merchandise. The goods were subjected to condemnation for violations of Republic Act No. 11900 and Republic Act No. 10863, among applicable customs laws and regulations.

District Collector Maria Yasmin Obillos-Mapa stated that the condemnation reflects the Port of NAIA's commitment to ensuring that abandoned and forfeited goods are disposed of in accordance with established customs procedures and applicable laws.

On the other hand, the BOC - Port of Manila (BOC-POM) condemned and destroyed approximately PHP200,000 worth of non-compliant imported goods, consisting mainly of processed food items, frozen marine products, meat products, and other regulated commodities, as part of its intensified efforts to safeguard public health and curb unlawful importation. The activity was conducted in accordance with the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013, and other relevant regulations governing the proper disposal of forfeited goods.

The condemned goods were rendered unfit for consumption through appropriate disposal methods, including shredding, crushing, and incineration.