By Betheena Unite
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is determined to keep hazardous wastes from entering into the country as part of its international commitment.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
Just recently, Customs agents inspected a foreign vessel carrying steam coal from Indonesia which arrived at the Port of Limay to check whether it was loaded with hazardous waste or not.
Upon completion of the inspection of “MV Global Legend,” which carried the flag of Malta, BOC agents found no hazardous waste. It was only loaded with 43,450 metric tons (MT) of Indonesian Steam Coal from Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
It was bared that the inspection was part of the bureau’s international cooperation with an inter-agency law enforcement operation dubbed “Interpol Operation 30 Days at Sea Philippines 2.0” which focuses on three main operational targets: pollution from vessels and offshore installations; land-based and river pollution impacting the marine environment; and waste trafficking through ports.
The Mission Order for the conduct of inspection was served to the master of the Maltese vessel, Captain Bubit Dzivat. The order was served by Customs agents, together with members of the Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Quarantine.
Representatives from the Philippine National Police, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Port State Control, National Bureau of Investigation , the BOC Enforcement and Security Service-Customs Police Division, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and Piers Inspection Division participated in the operation. Representatives from Anda Power Corporation, the importer/consignee, and World Mariner Phils, the ship’s agent were also present during the operation.
The Customs bureau serves as the lead agency against the shipment of hazardous waste into the country. It maintains close coordination with local and international enforcement agencies to ensure that border security is strictly enforced.