P1-M 'ukay-ukay' seized in Cagayan de Oro

The Bureau of Customs on Wednesday ordered the seizure of an estimated P1 million worth of ukay-ukay or used clothing from South Korea that was shipped into the country through the Port of Cagayan de Oro.

Deputy Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the shipment violates Republic Act 4653, which prohibits the commercial importation of used clothing and rags.

A statement from the BOC said the BOC Enforcement Group was alterted of the shipment on Feb. 10. The seized container van yielded 258 bundles of ukay-ukay, which were not declared by its importer.

Nepomuceno said the BOC strictly monitors the importation of garments and clothing  due to possible health hazards it may bring.

“Aside from its expressed objective to safeguard the health of the end-users against hygiene-related diseases due to the possible health hazards it may bring, we are trying to stop the long practice of some businessmen who make profits from selling these used clothes donated by wealthy countries,” he said. — APG, GMA News