MORE than 500 overstaying containers of rice and frozen fish have been forfeited by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for distribution to poor families affected by the enhanced community quarantine. According to Maronilla, the bureau has signed the deed of donation of the 506 abandoned containers at the facilities of the Manila International ContainerPort (MICP). Abandoned and forfeited goods are deemed properties of the government pursuant to Section 1129 and 1130 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). To ensure that donations are fit for human consumption, the goods shall undergo examination and certification with the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources prior to its distribution. Last week, the BoC also donated various personal protective equipment and medical emergency supplies to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and to different medical facilities in Mindanao.

Source: Manila Times April 09, 2020 06:00 UTC