The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) intends to spend P465.155 million to procure new equipment for its intensified border security program.
In separate invitations to bid, BOC said it plans to spend that amount from its approved 2017 budget to buy 20 speedboats, 19 x-ray machines, and 21 motorcycles.
A total of P290 million will be used to procure 10 speedboats of 60 knots in speed and with trailers and 10 speedboats of 40 knots and with trailers.
BOC also allotted P174 million for the supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of 10 brand-new x-ray machines with enclosures, to be used in checking fixed baggage; seven brand-new x-ray machines for hand-carried baggage; and two brand-new mobile x-ray machines.
For the 21 motorcycles, the customs bureau is ready to spend P1.155 million.
Earlier, Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon announced that the agency would be acquiring 20 speedboats for border security purposes. Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Group Ariel Nepomuceno also told PortCalls earlier that the speedboats would be deployed in strategic BOC districts, for use by a water patrol unit that is set to be revived.
Currently, BOC has no vessels to monitor its ports and exercise its mandate.
Nepomuceno said the water patrol vessels will be deployed to foil smuggling, especially oil smuggling, while at sea. The x-ray machines, meanwhile, will augment the current fleet in the country, which consists of 30 big and eight small x-ray machines.
Bids for the speedboats will be received until June 6, the same day as the opening of bids. Bids for the x-ray machines and motorcycles, meanwhile, will be accepted until May 30, also the same day that the bids are opened.
