As the Bureau of Customs (BOC) bolsters the nation’s border security measures and trade facilitation, the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) procured four new units of mobile container x-ray machines to boost the Bureau’s scanning performance. The additional assets were officially turned over to BOC on November 5, 2021 in a Turnover Ceremony conducted at the XIP Designated Examination Area, ATI Premises.
The ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honor, Assistant Secretary of Department of Finance, Dakila Elteen Napao, PITC Vice President for International Trading Services Group, Atty. Mark Brian A. Dela Cruz, representatives from Nuctech Company headed by Mr. Gao Peng and representatives from ADI.
For BOC’s part, Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, together with the Deputy Commissioners, District Collectors, Chiefs, and other key officials of the Bureau were present.
The additional assets have features that allow non-intrusive scans at a rate of 120 containers per hour and can produce clearer pictures of items being scanned. The high-performance scanning capability of these additional assets will significantly improve the capacity of the Bureau in identifying smuggled commodities by allowing non-intrusive detection of goods within containerized shipments in a short period.
These capabilities were demonstrated by XIP and the Nuctech Company after the blessing of the procured units.
With the utilization of the 124 existing x-ray machines, the additional procurement of the advanced machines is expected to further enhance the Bureau’s operations.
The newly acquired units will be deployed to ports with high-volume scanning operations, namely, the Manila International Container Port, Port of Cebu, Port of Subic, and Port of Cagayan De Oro.
In his message, Commissioner Guerrero stressed that the procurement of the additional assets is in line with the directives of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to intensify efforts against the entry of smuggled goods in the country.
“The Bureau has consistently modernized its processes and procedures under his administration, one of which is the procurement of the additional assets. Through his leadership, the Bureau of Customs has undergone substantial transformation and reformation”, he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to PITC, a consistent partner of the agency, in supporting the Bureau’s mission of strengthening border protection, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving the collection of lawful revenues for the nation.
BOC under the leadership of Commissioner Guerrero and guidance of Secretary of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez ensures that it will continue its rigorous efforts against smuggling and customs fraud, while continuously modernizing its procedures and processes.
