ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Zamboanga conducted the condemnation and safe disposal of assorted forfeited goods on December 2, 2025, as part of its ongoing campaign to safeguard public health.

Items destroyed included 281 bales of used clothing or “ukay-ukay,” 153 sacks of sugar, and 28 boxes of medicines.

The items had been forfeited for violations of Republic Act No. 4653 and Republic Act No. 9711, in accordance with Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). The move supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that only compliant and quality-assured goods reach Filipino consumers.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the importance of proper disposal, saying it prevents risks to public health and the environment. “Beyond the seizure of illicit goods, we must ensure their proper and safe disposal to prevent risk or harm to the public and the environment. We are also implementing live broadcasts of condemnation activities to uphold transparency and integrity in customs operations,” he said.

The condemnation proceedings were streamed live and monitored by local government representatives, the Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the Commission on Audit. The disposal was carried out in compliance with Section 1145 of the CMTA, Customs Administrative Order 03-2020, and other relevant laws and regulations.