Almost 200 shipments containing essential medical supplies were released from the Bureau of Customs as of Wednesday amid the clamor for prompt release of medical equipment from ports.
A total of 156 shipments and 38 containers of personal protection equipment and medical supplies were successfully processed and released from the ports of NAIA, Clark, and Manila International Container Port, Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said yesterday.
The Customs bureau attributed the “expeditious clearance and release of goods to the Customs Assistance Desk as well as the officials and frontline personnel of the bureau who are coordinating with foreign donors and importers.”
“Although affected by the enhanced community quarantine and in a state of national calamity, the Bureau of Customs remains committed to its mandate of ensuring the efficient and continuous release of goods, particularly medical supplies and other commodities essential in combating the spread of COVID-19,” the bureau said.
It can be recalled that the Customs bureau was called out for allegedly preventing the release of shipment of medical supplies from its ports but the bureau answered back, denying that they are holding the release of such shipments.
Maronilla, on Facebook Live, urged the public to report the bureau any information about delayed release of shipments containing medical equipment.
Filipinos from foreign countries, who are interested to donate basic health necessities amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, were also encouraged to contact the BoC for prompt release of donations.
“Meron po kaming assistance desks para po sa mga gustong mag-donate na mga kababayan natin abroad na may mga kakilala dito at gusto niyong mag-donate dito ng mga medical equipment of kung ano man pong relief goods para sa emergency na ito,” Maronilla said.
Donors were told to directly communicate with the assistance desk put up to exclusively cater for donations and relief consignments. The assistance desk may be reached through mobile numbers 09672256871 and or 09178322954 or through the Customs website. (Betheena Kae Unite)