In accordance with the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the Bureau of Customs announced on Saturday afternoon that the BoC Port of Cebu had successfully disposed of all the forfeited shipments of frozen chicken mechanically deboned meat (MDM), under Order of Condemnation Nos. 10-2024-Cebu and 11-2024-Cebu.

The purpose of the condemnation was to safeguard public health and guarantee adherence to customs laws.

The seized shipment consists of two 40-foot containers, each containing twenty-seven (27) and twenty-nine (29) pallets of frozen chicken MDM, and both are consigned to Virginia Food Inc. The commodities were forfeited to the government and disposed of in line with Sections 1139, 1145 and 1148 of the CMTA. The commodities were condemned through thermal destruction, which was conducted by RRDS Environmental Services Inc., a licensed service contractor in Mandaue City, Cebu.

To address port congestion caused by overstaying cargoes, the Port of Cebu prioritized the fast condemnation and disposal of the commodities, reducing risks and harm to public health while freeing up port space for effective operations.

The condemnation process was carried out safely and correctly through the efforts of key Port of Cebu personnel. District Collector Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera, Deputy Collector for Operations Elizabeth A. De Las Llagas, ACDD Chief Cherlyn A. Sabarita, LCB, SGII Jason James P. Largo (ACDD), SAI Jeff A. Pepito (ESS), IAI Ronnie Antonio E. Ylaya (CIIS) and Arnel O. Resomadero (CIIS) were all present during the condemnation activities.

Avenido Customs Brokerage, Uni-Ace Adjusters, Virginia Food Inc., the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Meat Inspection Service, the Bureau of Animal Industry-Veterinary Quarantine Service RO7, Oriental Port Allied Services Corporation and Visayan Insurance also witnessed the condemnation activities.

Port of Cebu District Collector De Vera stressed the importance of the condemnation, stating, “The proper disposal of forfeited goods is not only essential in maintaining public health but also in upholding our customs laws.”