Twelve containers of smuggled pyrotechnics and firecrackers were turned over to Philippine National Police (PNP) for destruction, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said Saturday.
From the Manila International Container Port (MICP), where the shipments were seized, the explosives were transferred to the custody of PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office on September 3.
The transfer took place at a blasting site in Barangay Pinagbayanan, Taysan, Batangas.
The shipments valued at P60 million were consigned to Stellent Corporation and Grinder Stone International Trading. The shipments were previously alerted and seized for having been misdeclared and abandoned by the consignees after they failed to produce the necessary import clearances from the PNP.
According to the bureau, the importations violated Republic Act 7183 “An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices” consistent with Section 5 of EO No. 28 which provides that “the PNP, in coordination with other concerned agencies and the local government units shall be primarily responsible for the enforcement of RA 7183 and this Order which shall include the conduct of inspections and confiscations and destruction of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics in accordance with law.
The MICP said the turnover of the smuggled items will help in decongesting the port, smooth flow of cargoes, and efficient port operations by prompt disposal of forfeited cargoes.
The turnover was attended by MICP Auction and Cargo Disposal Division Chief Ernelito Aquino and PNP-FEO Explosives Management Division Chief Ana Fe Laza. (Betheena Unite)
