DENR probes waste shipment from South Korea

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Northern Mindanao is now taking custody of the tons of garbage shipment in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

In an order of warrant of seizure and detention penned by District Collector Floro Calixihan, the BOC was ordered to "forthwith take physical possession and custody of the shipload "plastic synthetic flakes" located at Sitio Buguac, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan and turn over them to property custodian/warehouse in charge, this port, for safekeeping pending termination of the seizure proceedings thereon or until further orders from this office," the order said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also stepping in to take swift action. In a statement, DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU concerns Benny Antiporda said DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu wanted the matter "resolved as soon as possible."

"Hindi natin hahayaang humaba ang [isyung] ito," Antiporda said.

He said the DENR's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) has started conducting a waste analysis and characterization study of the shipment that was declared as "plastic synthetic flakes."

Results of the study are expected to be released this week which will be the basis of the "appropriate actions" to be taken by the DENR.

The statement said if the contents of the shipment are found to be hazardous, the DENR will recommend its return to the country of origin, as well as the filing of administrative and criminal charges against personalities involved.

The shipment was consigned to South Korean Company Verde Soko II Industrial Corp. which operates a 4.5 hectare waste recycling facility within the Phividec Industrial Estate in Tagoloan town.

Containing about 5,100 tons of garbage, the shipment arrived at the MICT on board MV Affluent Ocean last July 21.

Initial findings showed that the shipment contained used dextrose tubes, used diapers, batteries, bulbs, and electronic equipment.

The EMB said the shipment was not covered by any DENR-issued importation clearance. The consignee, Verde Soko, is not even registered as an importer of recyclable materials.

Under the DENR policy, registered importers are required to secure the necessary import clearances from the DENR at least 30 days before the actual importation.

On the other hand, officials of Verde Soko has reportedly clarified that the shipment does not contain garbage but raw materials used for making furniture such as chairs and tables, which will be exported back to the said country.

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