BOC inspects cold storage facilities to check utilization

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has physically inspected at least 15% of the cold storage facilities in the country since April, in efforts to check port utilization amid the quarantines.

In a statement on Monday, the BOC said its Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) has conducted the physical inspection of at least 23 cold storage facilities of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).

NMIS data indicates that there are currently 151 cold storage facilities across the Philippines, 45 of which located in Metro Manila.

"The inspections were done to determine the utilization of cold storage facilities and to check if it has any correlation with port utilization to avoid congestion," said the BOC.

"ESS, BOC will continue inspecting the remaining warehouses in the coming days to check on their status and utilization," it added.

To recall, the Philippine Ports Authority in March warned that Manila ports may close down if owners and consignees do not clear the area of overstaying cargoes.

Efforts have since been made to ensure that cargoes are claimed and released immediately to avoid congestion. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News