MANILA, Philippines —  The Bureau of Customs (BOC) warns the public on possible influx of fake and smuggled coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines into the market as various pharmaceutical companies worldwide race for the formulation that would defeat the deadly virus.

The BOC cited an article released by Europol and the United States Department of Homeland Security which mentioned the great possibility that organized crime groups may exploit the highly lucrative COVID-19 vaccine market. 

The article also stated that in some countries, crime groups have already tried to market fake influenza vaccines which were not manufactured and proven to be falsified.

Thus, the BOC advises the public to remain vigilant and report the presence of suspected  smuggled and fake vaccines in the country. 

The BOC also warned the public of vaccines being sold online as these items may be fake and could cause serious health problems.

In recent announcements, the government reiterated that any drug or vaccine such as the COVID-19 vaccine must be registered and approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being released into the market.

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs – Port of Davao intercepted a shipment of agarwood worth P1.72 million initially misdeclared as wood frames for souvenirs.

The operation halted the potential illegal export of the said shipment.

The package was discovered through x-ray scanning and physical examination and found to contain 671 pieces of Agarwood chips sought to be illegally exported from the country without the necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The operation was made possible through the coordination of BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the PNP Aviation Security Group and the DENR Region XI.

The seized package shall be subjected to seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Section 117 (Regulated Shipments), Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) and Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture), all of Republic Act No. 10863 (CMTA) in relation to Section 27 (i) [Illegal Transport] of Republic Act No. 9147 (Wild Life Act), and shall be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Agarwood is classified under the “Appendix 2” of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and found only in the jungles in Mindanao and Visayas.

It is valued for its distinctive fragrance used to make incense, perfume, and medicinal products particularly in the Middle East and Asia, according to the DENR.

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has refuted allegations of port congestion now that a total truck ban is in effect against six-wheelers and up, from EDSA Magallanes in Pasay to North Avenue in Quezon City.

The implementation of the truck ban has been reinstated after nine months since the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Though window hours are set on other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, some truckers criticize the implementation of the truck ban claiming that it would only lead to different problems such as increased congestion. 

However, the BOC is optimistic as the agency has been keeping the yard utilization rate within the desired level in alignment with the global standard rate which does not exceed 70%. 

The agency further noted that from December 1 to 13, the average yard utilization of Manila International Container Port (MICP) is at a manageable level of 75%.

“To ensure the unhampered delivery of services and avoid possible port congestion, the Bureau is closely coordinating with Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators as our proactive role in averting the unlikely event of port congestion,” said deputy commissioner of Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, Atty. Edward James Dy Buco.

The official added that the BOC directed the Customs Container Control Division (CCCD) of each port to strictly ensure the loading out of empty containers. 

All Assessment Offices personnel are also instructed to immediately process laden containers for prompt release to prevent them from piling up at the port.