Bataan 2020 denies allowing entry of hazardous waste in Subic

Paper manufacturer Bataan 2020, Inc. denied Wednesday that it imported hazardous materials from the United States.

"We strongly protest the allegation made by several quarters that our company allowed the entry of illegal solid waste from the United States," it said in a press statement.

This came after the Bureau of Customs confiscated a shipment of waste materials with used face masks from the US at the Port of Subic last week.

According to a report on “24 Oras,” the shipment was declared as “American old corrugated cartons for repulping” and was consigned to Bataan 2020.

Customs said the company will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and other related environmental laws.

In a statement, Bataan 2020 said it is a “reputable member” of the Philippine Paper Manufacturers Association (PPMA) having been manufacturing recycled paper for printing, writing, packaging, and tissue for over 20 years.

It said on October 22, a combined team of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Customs officials went to the Subic International Container Port and asked their brokerage firm to open five out of 30 containers filled with old papers and paper cartons.

“These materials are within internationally-accepted industry quality standards and were allowed into the country covered by the appropriate documents. We agreed to open them for transparency and obedience of the law,” it said.

It added out of the 5 containers, the team found only a couple of face masks inside one container filled with old papers and cartons.

“There were no ferrous materials found in any of the containers that went through inspection,” Bataan 2020 said.

It further said the company “has always been compliant and has been cooperating with relevant government agencies.”

“We have been given permits by the government to operate as an importer of recyclable materials. These materials are processed under internationally recognized ISO and Forestry Stewardship Council standards of certification.”

Earlier, Customs spokesperson Vincent Maronilla said the shipment will be returned to the US.—AOL, GMA News