P1-M REGULATED MEDICAL DEVICES NA IDINEKLARANG WATER PURIFIER, KUMPISKADO SA BOC

DALAWANG 40-foot containers na may 78,720 regulated medical devices na nagkakahalaga ng P1.041 million at idineklara bilang “water purifier tube and bag” ang kinumpiska ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) sa pamamagitan ng Port of Subic.

Binigyang-diin ni BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno ang kahalagahan ng pagtiyak na ang mga regulated medical devices na pumapasok sa bansa ay ‘properly declared and compliant with applicable requirements.’

“Mahigpit nating binabantayan ang pagpasok ng regulated goods, especially products that may directly affect public health and safety. We will ensure that medical devices entering the country are properly declared and comply with all applicable requirements,” ayon pa kay Nepomuceno.

Sinabi naman ni BOC spokesman Atty. Cris Noel Bendijo na ang shipment ay nananatili BOC custody ‘pending the appropriate seizure and forfeiture proceedings.’

“In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and intensify the campaign against smuggling, the BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno, continues to enhance its enforcement measures to safeguard the country’s borders, protect government revenue, and facilitate legitimate and compliant trade,” dagdag pa ni Bendijo.

Ayon pa kay Bendijo, ang shipment ay sumailalim sa 100% physical examination at nakitaan ng 24,000 peritoneal dialysis (PD) drainage bags, 43,200 sterile disposable intravenous (IV) infusion/administration sets at 11,520 hemodialysis blood tubing sets packed in 1,800 cartons.

Aniya pa, “The examination established that the actual goods did not correspond with the declared description and the items were likewise identified as regulated medical devices subject to applicable Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.”

“Following the examination and evaluation of the shipment, District Collector Atty. Zsae Carrie C. De Guzman issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) on August 24, 2026, for violation of Sections 117 and 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) and (i) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and applicable FDA laws, rules, and regulations governing the importation of medical devices,” dagdag pa ni Bendijo.

“The Port of Cebu remains vigilant against misdeclaration and other attempts to circumvent our laws. We will continue to strengthen our border protection measures while ensuring that regulated goods entering the country comply with the necessary requirements,” District Collector De Guzman said. (JERRY S. TAN)