The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) is eyeing the purchase of P101.2 million worth of baggage scanning machines and other equipment for installation in key ports.
The bureau plans to install three mobile scanners and eight fixed baggage x-ray machines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and in Clark, Subic, Cebu and Iloilo. They are meant to prevent the entry of contraband via personal belongings, hand-carried luggage and parcels.
Customs commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon said the bureau is now preparing the technical requirements for the procurement process.
NAIA will receive the most number of machines with one mobile and one fixed to be installed at Terminal 1; Terminals 2 and 3 will each get one fixed baggage machine as will Cebu-Mactan International Airport, the Cebu seaport, Kalibo International Airport, Subic and Iloilo.
A mobile machine will be installed at the NAIA-Pair Cargo Warehouse and another for exclusive use of the Philippine President and his staff.
Customs x-ray inspection chief Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang said the project needs immediate funding to address smuggling.
In addition, the BOC is requesting a P50-million budget to purchase closed-circuit television cameras for installation in NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 and other major airports.
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