Airport to get at least two x-ray machines

CEBU, Philippines - An initial P250 million has been set aside for the purchase of x-ray machines and the Mactan Cebu International Airport will get at least two x-ray machines.

Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon, who was in Cebu last week, expressed concern after learning the airport lacks such machines but all the same promised to address the problem.

He said P250 million has been allocated for this purpose and the machines will be installed in airports with ageing ones.

Customs officials said an x-ray machine is typically good for 20 years.

However, the existing X-ray machine at the Mactan airport, which no longer functions, is 22 years old.

The airport has no X-ray machine for hand-carried baggage.

Customs Collector Paul Alcazaren of the Mactan port said an X-ray machine will help detect smuggled drugs and contraband.

Alcazaren said the three kilos of shabu seized from a Kenyan national 24-year-old Asha Atieno Ogutu may have been detected earlier.

The shabu was found in her traveling bag at the Mactan airport.

She is presently detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail and is facing charges for transporting illegal drugs at the Lapu-Lapu Regional Trial Court.

Cebu District Collector Ronnie Sylvestre said efforts at monitoring of transport of goods, especially those shipped from China, will be doubled.

The Bureau of Customs has exclusive authority to inspect hand-carried baggage because of its obligation to collect duties and taxes. - THE FREEMAN