BOC donates forfeited goods to quake victims

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has directed the immediate donation of forfeited goods to support Filipinos affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.

Nepomuceno said the BOC has prepared 12 containers of forfeited goods for distribution, focusing on both urgent needs and early recovery.

The goods include medical equipment to support hospitals and frontline health workers, wood for the construction of temporary shelters for displaced families, construction materials to help repair damaged evacuation centers and schools, machinery equipment for clearing debris and supporting rehabilitation work, and household goods to help families restore basic living conditions.

The BOC said the Port of Davao led the distribution of relief goods to 1,000 families in Barangays Malalan, Kalbay and Butuan in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

Affected families in General Santos City and nearby areas were given food items, bottled water and other basic necessities by the Port of Zamboanga in coordination with the Sub-Port of Dadiangas.

The Ports of Cagayan de Oro launched its own donation campaign for earthquake-affected communities in Soccsksargen, calling for contributions such as hygiene kits, ready-to-eat food, water, blankets, tents and monetary aid.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port as well as the Ports of Cebu, Iloilo, Surigao, Batangas and San Fernando in La Union also initiated their respective donation drives.

Nepomuceno said the BOC initiative reflects the government’s continuing efforts to address immediate needs of the quake victims while supporting early steps toward recovery.