The Bureau of Customs (BOC) disposed of 271 overstaying containers from May 22 to June 5, of which 19 were auctioned off resulting in revenues of P18.694 million.
For the year, the total number of overstaying and abandoned containers disposed by the bureau has reached 1,588, representing 28% of the current overall total under BOC watch.
The 19 overstaying containers from the BOC Port of Manila and Port of Davao had assorted items such as televisions, tiles, and plywoods, among others. There were 241 overstaying containers that were condemned while contents of 11 overstaying containers donated by the BOC Port of Subic.
BOC noted that under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 10-2020, overstaying cargoes for more than 30 days from date of discharge which have not been withdrawn within a specified period of time will be tagged abandoned.
CMO 10-2020 covers implementation of summary abandonment proceedings in all collection districts during the period of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The order implements Joint Administrative Order No. 20-01, which was signed on April 2 and adopts processes that aim to expedite release of refrigerated containers and dry cargoes from Manila ports during the period of ECQ.
Under Section 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, goods subject to disposition may be donated, declared for official use by BOC, or sold at public auction. Goods suitable for shelter, or consisting of foodstuffs, clothing materials, or medicines may be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
