BOC adds more X-ray machines at Port of Manila to tighten border security

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday tightened its border security by installing additional X-ray machines at the Port of Manila (POM) to look out for smuggled goods and other contraband.

According to the BOC, six upgraded X-ray machines from Astrophysics Inc., a US company based in Southern California, were procured to increase the BOC's non-intrusive inspection capabilities of containerized shipments.

Of the six units, the BOC said two are for the POM, two for the Manila International Container Port (MICP), one for Port of Davao, and another one for Port of Cebu.

The Bureau said each X-ray machine can scan at least 120 containers per hour.

The X-ray machine is also equipped with material discrimination capability allowing X-ray image analysts to distinguish organic and inorganic materials. It also makes image analysis of X-ray inspectors more accurate in their decision-making process.

Also, the machines have a lower radiation dose, which ensures the safety of their operators and the transacting public who may be exposed to it.

The BOC said among the smuggled and illegal goods the machines are expected to detect are misdeclared items, undervalued goods, non-declared goods, and narcotics in various ports nationwide.

“Further, it will also enable the rapid and effective screening of containerized shipments with minimum interruption to the movement of goods inside the ports,” BOC said.

“Designed for ease of operation and maintenance, the x-ray scanners are expected to minimize unnecessary delays and enhance trade facilitation,” it added. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News