MANILA – The Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila (BOC-POM) reported on Monday that it has zeroed out 197 overstaying foreign containers at the Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) Laguna Inland Clearance Depot, an extension of the Manila South Harbor.
The bureau said during the height of the pandemic, these overstaying containers were transferred to inland depots to prevent congestion at the main ports.
"It took almost 3 years to dispose of all 197 containers. The overstaying containers will be given back to the designated shipping lines once modes of disposal have been done,” it said in a statement.
The BOC added that zeroing out the overstaying boxes is essential in sustaining the safe and optimal operations of trade gateways and logistics enablers in the Philippines.
POM District Collector Michael Angelo Vargas, Deputy Collector for Operations lawyer Ma. Liza Sebastian and the team from the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) received plaques of appreciation from the ATI for their efforts that led to the successful auction, condemnation, and disposal of the overstaying containers.
The POM vowed to continue to implement measures to expedite the disposal of all overstaying containers that will further improve trade facilitation and reduce yard congestion. (PNA)
