The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu disposed of a forfeited shipment of frozen chicken mechanically deboned meat (MDM) from January 13 to February 05, 2025 under Order of Condemnation Nos. 10-2024-Cebu and 11-2024-Cebu pursuant to the provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The condemnation was carried out to protect public health and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
The forfeited shipment consist of two 40-foot containers respectively containing twenty-seven (27) and twenty-nine (29) pallets of frozen chicken MDM, and both consigned to Virginia Food Inc. The goods were forfeited in favor of the government and disposed of in accordance with Sections 1139, 1145, and 1148 of the CMTA. The goods were condemned through thermal destruction, with the process handled by the accredited service contractor, RRDS Environmental Services, Inc. in Mandaue City, Cebu.

To address port congestion of overstaying cargoes, the Port of Cebu prioritized the swift condemnation and disposal of the goods, which mitigate risks and harm to public health and free up port space for efficient operations.

Key personnel from the Port of Cebu played crucial roles in ensuring the secure and proper execution of the condemnation process. Present during the condemnation activities were 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). Representatives from the Bureau of Animal Industry – Veterinary Quarantine Service RO7, Oriental Port Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR), Virginia Food Inc., National Bureau of Investigation, National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Avenido Customs Brokerage, Uni-Ace Adjusters, and Visayan Insurance similarly witnessed the condemnation activities.

District Collector De Vera emphasized the significance 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. This is likewise a reminder to all importers to comply with customs laws by properly declaring shipments, adhering to processing requirements, and paying customs duties and taxes. All forfeited shipments will undergo the appropriate method of disposal. In this case, we expedited the condemnation process to demonstrate our commitment in safeguarding public safety and facilitating the seamless movement of goods within our ports.”

The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s steadfast commitment to environmental protection, a longstanding priority in government policies.* Under the guidance of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and leadership of District Collector De Vera, the Port of Cebu remains committed in protecting public health, upholding the proper enforcement of customs regulations, and fostering public trust in its operations.