In line with the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) commitment to secure the country’s borders, the Bureau on July 23, 2020 formally donated 758 forfeited vehicles to various government agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) among others.​

The formal turn over and signing of the deed of donation was conducted in the BOC Situation Room OCOM Building South Harbor, Manila. Representatives from the PNP headed by PBGEN. Angelito A. Casimero and the PSG headed by MAJ. Rizza Mae A. San Agustin attended the activity while Commissioner Rey Leonardo B Guerrero together with the Bureau’s Deputy Commissioners were also present to witness the event. Also, in attendance were Port of Appari District Collector Arienito M. Claveria, CEZA Deputy Administrator Agrimero A. Cruz and Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief-Operations Division Hanzley Lim.​

The 758 vehicles donated were distributed accordingly: 120 units to the PNP, 60 to the AFP while 5 units were donated to the PSG. The remaining 573 units are earmarked for donation to other government agencies. The initiative aims to improve the mobility status of various government agencies which would save the government millions in procurement costs. Among the vehicles donated were SUVs, Vans, Wagons and high Mobility Vehicles.​

As a rule, the entry of used and smuggled vehicles into the country is strictly prohibited and the subject vehicles once  seized are destroyed through condemnation proceedings by the BOC. However, in 2019 the government decided to distribute the seized vehicles to government agencies instead of destroying and letting them rot.​

The donation of the vehicles marks another milestone in the government’s all/out campaign against rampant smuggling and illegal importation of vehicles into the Philippines. The Bureau of Customs remains committed to enhance border security and its anti-smuggling efforts.

Photo by: BOC

http://customs.gov.ph/boc-and-ceza-donate-forfeited-vehicles-to-various-government-agencies%e2%80%8b/?fbclid=IwAR3L11OEhMBNyVlomUs4xW9OWt7Cuf93s60dEBmOT1kAyLK0LMdHWNFwRhQ