BOC clears 10 more overstaying containers in Subic Freeport

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has removed 10 overstaying refrigerated containers loaded with spoiled, foul-smelling cargo from the Port of Subic as part of efforts to decongest the port and address environmental and public health concerns.

Subic District Collector Geniefelle Lagmay said seven of the containers had already been disposed of, while three more were undergoing condemnation proceedings.

“One of my priorities is to consistently comply with the marching orders of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, which is to decongest the Port of Subic and immediately dispose of the overstaying containers that have been causing foul odors and posing environmental and public health concerns,” Lagmay told the Inquirer on June 26.

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READ: SBMA faces suit over stench from overstaying containers

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A total of 118 refrigerated containers had remained at the port beyond the allowable storage period. As of June 26, 108 containers were still in the container yard, although another six had already been processed for pullout and disposal.

According to BOC, it will dispose of five to 10 containers weekly to speed up the clearing of overstaying cargo.

READ: Subic port begins disposing of rotten cargo from overstaying containers

Mitigation

“The condemnation and disposal activities have already helped mitigate the environmental impact of the overstaying cargo,” Lagmay said.

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Terminal operators and nearby businesses have been complaining about the strong odor from decomposing cargo.

The issue has also reached the courts after Brighterday Subic Ltd. Inc., operator of nearby All Hands Beach resort, sued the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), saying the stench drove away guests and disrupted business.

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The lawsuit also disputed SBMA’s claim that the matter falls solely under the BOC’s jurisdiction, arguing that under Republic Act No. 7227, the agency has authority over port operations and facilities within the Subic Bay Freeport.

Lagmay added that authorities could not yet provide a definite timeline for clearing all the affected containers since the process must comply with existing laws, regulations and safety protocols. /cb

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