Batangas port probes missing containers

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Customs-Port of Batangas (BOC-POB) district collector Juan Tan yesterday called for an investigation over the allegations that 600 containers of dutiable goods that were earlier reportedly transshipped to the Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP), got lost.

Tan, in a statement, said that the final destination of the 600 containers was the POB.

He said he already informed Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez that of the 900 containers that reportedly entered the POM and MICP last month, only 305 containers arrived at the POB with their corresponding documentary requirements such as the official receipts of payments of taxes and other documents.

He said those responsible for the alleged missing containers should be slapped with appropriate charges, if only to ferret out the truth and ensure that reforms and safeguards are in place to avoid a similar situation.

Information reaching the POB showed that the 600 missing containers were released by the POM through consumption entries.

POB Wharfinger Nelson Cruz and the port’s Assistant Wharfinger Romarico Tumbaga corroborated Tan’s statement.

They reportedly claimed that they only received 305 containers.

“With E2M system in place and per instruction from MISTG (Management Information System and Technology Group), the POB Port Operation Division, all Customs offices in Manila are immediately notified, through the bureau’s computer system of the arrival and non-arrival of cargoes,” Tan said.

He said apart from sending immediate reports to all concerned offices regarding the arrival and non-arrival of cargoes, they are also required to submit monthly reports of arrival and receipts of transshipped cargoes to the Deputy Collectors for Operation of POM and MICP, the Port Operation Service of the Office of the Commissioner and the Assessment and Operation Coordination Group.