BOC auctions off forfeited goods

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Cebu has recently auctioned off 28 containers of forfeited goods amounting to P2.14 million.

BOC-Cebu Acting District Collector Charlito Martin R. Mendoza has commended the Auction and Cargo Disposal Unit (ACDU) and the Auction Committee for the successful auction proceeding, and welcomed the additional revenue it brings in.

“The Bureau earned P2.136 million from the auction, and this amount is an additional contribution to our government’s efforts against the pandemic,” said Mendoza in a Facebook account of the bureau.

Mendoza added that as soon as a final forfeiture against a shipment is declared in favor of the government, and the goods are not prohibited and still deemed of value, the agency auctions it off so the government can earn from the sale, and the goods do not go to waste.

ACDU Chief Engr. Ronald Morillo, on the other hand, explained that auctioning off forfeited goods not only generates additional income for the bureau, but it also frees up the container yard, and helps avoid port congestion.

Meanwhile, BOC-Cebu X-ray Inspection Project personnel were trained to operate the port’s newly installed Portal X-ray Machine.

In the three-day hands-on training, the customs personnel studied the features of the Astrophysics Portal Scanner Model HXP-75. This is the model of x-ray machine the BOC had inaugurated last month at the Cebu International Port Complex. With the machine, scanning of containers is now four to five times faster.

“Our personnel refreshed their learning on scanning analysis and profiling techniques, knowledge which they should sharpen to keep their skills abreast with the upgrade of our inspection technology,” said Carlos Joey Reyes, Field Officer, XIP-Cebu.

He added that the Bureau’s thrust is to upgrade both technology and personnel skills and knowledge to intensify border security measures and trade facilitation.

Astrophysics Asia, Inc. Engineers Jeffrey Fuertes and Felmar Abanto conducted the training which covered an overview on the efficient use of the new Portal X-ray Machine, maintenance, and safety protocols, and a practical test on actual inspections using the non-intrusive inspection machine.

“Conducting training during this pandemic is challenging but necessary. Now more than ever, we need to improve our skills because we are at the frontlines of the government’s efforts to boost the economy,” Mendoza said.  GAN (FREEMAN)