By James A. Loyola
International Container Terminal Services Inc. clarified that overall operations at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) never stopped amid reports that a person has been infected with the new coronovirus.
“The BoC statement refers to its own operations in their building inside the MICT complex. What’s being shutdown for disinfection is BoC’s building and not the whole port,” said ICTSI.
It added that, “Related to the national emergency and as a frontline company, ICTSI regularly disinfects its facilities to ensure the safety of its employees and customers.”
The firm said BOC has declared that, “BOC-MICP will continue to process shipments arriving at the MICT. The temporary closure of the BOC-MICP building is aimed for its disinfection and quarantine of personnel.”
It added that, “BOC-MICP personnel will continue to work from home (WFH). POM will support BOC-MICP in the performance of functions affected by the temporary closure.”
The Manila International Port (MICP) announced on March 24, 2020 that the Port shall be temporarily closed for disinfection as one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.
“During the period of the temporary closure of the MICP Building, the District Collector, MICP shall ensure an efficient work plan to provide unhampered service to our stakeholders,” MICP said.
Thus, all port operations of MICP which remains unaffected by the temporary closure of the MICP Building shall continue to function such as but not limited to the boarding of vessel, examination of goods at the designated examination area, x-ray inspection and transfer of goods to the CY/CFS.
All other transactions such as processing of goods declaration which may be affected by the temporary closure of the MICP Building shall temporarily be processed through the ancillary support of the Port of Manila (POM) and utilization of the Bureau's online facilities.