By Betheena Unite
Abandoned and overstaying cargoes in seven ports in the country generated P375 million during public auctions, the Bureau of Customs said Tuesday.
Bureau of Customs (MANILA BULLETIN)
Seven of the 17 ports under the Customs bureau had taken actions to dispose of overstaying and abandoned cargoes within their respective jurisdiction by public auction, which netted P375,796,466.77 in revenues.
According to the Bureau of Customs- Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), a total of 1,317 containers were disposed, constituting 23 percent of the total abandoned or overstaying containers recorded from January 2020.
Of the total abandoned containers, 656 containers were auctioned off, 427 cargoes were subjected to condemnation, and 234 containers were donated to concerned government agencies.
The overstaying containers, the bureau said, were either seized due to violations or abandoned.
“Under Customs Memorandum Order 10-2020, overstaying cargoes for more than 30 days from the date of discharge which have not been withdrawn within the specified period of time shall be tagged abandoned,” the bureau said, stressing that upon finality of the Decree of Abandonment, the Customs bureau shall then determine the appropriate disposition of the cargoes.
Section 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act states that goods subject to disposition may be donated, declared for official use by the bureau, or sold at public auction, while goods suitable for shelter, or consisting of foodstuffs, clothing materials, or medicines may be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Earlier, the bureau destroyed several shipments of smuggled cigarettes, unregistered medicines, and expired meat products seized in previous operations.