CEBU CITY (PIA) – The Bureau of Customs in the Port of Cebu destroyed a shipment of frozen mechanically deboned chicken meat from Jan. 13 to Feb. 5 as part of the BOC’s public health and port efficiency measures through the proper disposal of forfeited goods.
The forfeited shipment consisted of two 40-foot containers, with 27 and 29 pallets of frozen chicken MDM consigned to Virginia Food Inc.
These goods were forfeited in favor of the government and disposed of under Sections 1139, 1145 and 1148 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which govern the proper handling of seized, abandoned and forfeited goods.
The condemned MDM was destroyed via thermal destruction by the accredited service contractor, RRDS Environmental Services Inc., in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Lawyer Vincent Philip Maronilla, BOC assistant commissioner, emphasized that the disposal process followed strict guidelines, ensuring only accredited “condemnators” handle the destruction of forfeited goods.
“Usually, what we do is, there’s going to be a selection process, an accreditation process for our ‘condemnators.’ They are those who burn and destroy goods that cannot be auctioned,” Maronilla said.
He explained that the destruction process uses a pyrolysis system, which is a kind of burning that ensures the environment is not affected.
Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that converts waste into energy-rich oil and synthetic gas, supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Before the disposal, the Department of Agriculture inspected the forfeited goods to determine their suitability for human consumption.
Maronilla said seized agricultural products, such as chicken and MDM, are first inspected by the DA to check if they are fit or unfit for human consumption.
“If they are fit for human consumption, they can recommend auction or donation. If it’s MDM, it’s an auction because it’s not processed. It cannot be eaten off the rack,” he said.
The DA then recommends the manner of destruction for products that are tagged not fit for human consumption.
“The DA usually recommends the manner of destruction. So for these kinds of products, it’s either burning, pyrolysis, or it is placed in a machine where it is converted into feeds. The feeds, being the byproduct, is the one that we use to compensate the ‘condemnator’ so they can benefit from it,” he said.
Port decongestion
The disposal of seized goods also plays a crucial role in decongesting the Port of Cebu by swiftly removing overstaying cargo, reducing health risks and improving operational efficiency.
Maronilla said that the BOC is actively working to reduce the number of overstaying containers.
“Our goal is to lower the number of overstaying containers. So, if there are overstaying containers that can be auctioned, donated or destroyed, that should be done,” he said.
He added that the remaining cargoes in the port are those that are still subject to court cases.
Cargo containers have a 30-day reckoning period before being classified as abandoned or overstaying.
During the condemnation, Lawyer Felipe Geoffrey K. de Vera, BOC Cebu district collector, reminded importers to comply with customs laws.
“This is likewise a reminder to all importers to comply with customs laws by properly declaring shipments, adhering to processing requirements, and paying customs duties and taxes. All forfeited shipments will undergo the appropriate method of disposal,” de Vera said.
BOC plans to upgrade its scanning facilities and implement an electronic auction system for a more inclusive and transparent customs process.
(MYP/PIA7 Cebu with reports from BOC)
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