THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) are in the process of moving 4,000 unclaimed containers to improve yard utilization in ports.
The BOC said in a statement yesterday this will ensure the movement of goods amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
Moving forward, the agency said a joint memorandum of agreement between the BOC, Philippine Ports Authority, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture, Asian Terminals Inc. and ICTSI is being drafted to further address the issue on overstaying containers.
Half of the overstaying containers will be transferred to Pacific Roadlink Container Inc. while the remaining customs-cleared containers are being moved to the Manila North Harbour Port Inc.
The BOC said its personnel has supervised the round-the-clock transfer with the assistance of the members of the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana.
The bureau added it is also working to dispose of these overstaying containers through donation or public auction.
DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier made an appeal to all those with reefer containers and refrigerated vans which contain food to pull out their shipments and for port operators to release the same expeditiously to avoid any trade disruption.
This, he said, will address the supply chain for food and other necessities.
“The BOC ensures the public that it will continue to help in ensuring adequate supply of goods in the country amidst COVID-19 pandemic,” the bureau said.
