The Bureau of Customs-Port of Legazpi Customs Border Protection Team (CBPT) District V, in a joint operation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Sorsogon intercepted a one wing van – truck of used clothing, commonly known as “UKAY-UKAY” at Matnog Port, Sorsogon on November 1, 2021. Based on the sales invoice found, the used clothing was transported from Mindanao, Avenue, Quezon City, and bound for Davao City.

The items and conveyance were subsequently hauled and turned over to the custody of BOC Port of Legazpi. Per inventory conducted by the assigned Customs Examiner, the same was found to contain four hundred forty-nine (449) bundles of used clothing and has an estimated value of 5.1 million pesos.

The importation or transit of used clothing or ukay-ukay violates R.A. 4653 or “An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags” and Sections 118, 1113 and 1401 of R.A. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.”

The creation of the CBPT-District V, headed by District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla, and District Commander Reynald R. Ruda has aided in developing and maintaining strong partnerships and coordination with local and national law enforcement agencies to carry out the Port’s functions effectively and smoothly in border protection.