Zamboanga: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday reported the disposal of assorted confiscated products in Zamboanga City, including over 200 bales of used clothing, ensuring that non-compliant goods are kept out of the supply chain.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BOC stated that among the forfeited goods dumped into a sanitary landfill by the Port of Zamboanga on December 2 were 281 bales of used clothing, commonly known as 'ukay-ukay,' along with 153 sacks of sugar and 28 boxes of medicines.

The items were previously forfeited for violations of Republic Act No. 4653, which bans the commercial importation of used clothing, and Republic Act No. 9711, known as the Food and Drug Administration Act. These acts relate to Section 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, which prohibits the importation of regulated health products without proper authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of proper and safe disposal of illicit goods to prevent any risk or harm to the public 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," Nepomuceno stated in the same news release.

The condemnation of the goods was streamed live online to uphold transparency and integrity in all customs operations, Nepomuceno added.