The Bureau of Customs (BOC) led an an inter-agency meeting to discuss matters concerning the e-waste shipments within the Subic Bay Freeport.

The meeting, which was participated by various government agencies and environmental groups, focused on identifying appropriate courses of action and coordinating the next steps to address the issue.

Participating agencies and organizations agreed to submit their respective position papers to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of available legal, regulatory, and policy options.

The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen existing mechanisms and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, other BOC key officials, and representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Office of the Solicitor General, EcoWaste Coalition, BAN Toxics, among other concerned agencies, attended the meeting.

All agencies were encouraged to continue carrying out their respective regulatory functions despite the pending legal proceedings. The dialogue among government agencies and advocacy groups would continue until a clear and lawful resolution is reached.

The participating agencies and environmental groups reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination and ensuring that all actions are consistent with existing laws, regulations, and national policies on environmental protection and responsible waste management.⁩