Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is looking to donate confiscated goods to the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao on Monday morning. Chris Noel Bendijo, BOC Deputy Chief of Staff, said Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered all ports for items ready for donations. 'Yes, that is intended, but for now, the Commissioner swept across all ports what may be subject to donation,' he said.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BOC has stated in a separate announcement that it is transforming confiscated goods into support for communities by facilitating their prompt and lawful donation to government agencies and partner institutions for distribution to beneficiaries. "Our goal is to ensure that the people benefit from the forfeited goods. Instead of them being wasted or wasted, we will continue to work with various agencies and partner institutions to distribute them properly and in accordance with the law," Nepomuceno said. Essential items ready for immediate community use include clothing, footwear, school supplies, tents, and multifunction mobile power supply units.
The BOC said the goods are complemented by other forfeited assets, including petroleum products, vehicles, and vessels. Confiscated goods will be formally handed over to relevant government agencies, local government units, and accredited partner organizations.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday inspected government facilities, including roads, bridges, and hospitals, to check for structural integrity in General Santos City, a day after the tremor. Among the structures he visited are the collapsed General Santos City-T'boli-Surallah Road, one of the critical roads connecting General Santos City to Surallah in South Cotabato, Sarangani Provincial Hospital in Sarangani, and the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca City Hospital in General Santos City. He recommended for the immediate implementation of a detour road plan near the collapsed section of the road.
The DPWH is also conducting clearing operations in landslide areas along the T'boli-Surallah Road and assessment teams are deployed to the two hospitals. The department said no serious structural damage was found at the General Santos City hospital, except for some damaged ceilings.
