As the first batch of COVID -19 vaccines arrive at the country, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of NAIA, processed the clearance of 600,000 donated SINOVAC vials which arrived at Villamore Airbase, Pasay City, on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
Among those who witnessed the arrival were President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, and Philippine Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
For the part of the BOC, Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group Deputy Commissioner Edward James dy Buco and NAIA District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan supervised the inaugural arrival of said COVID-19 vaccines.
The vaccines were processed and released through the Bureau’s advance clearance process to ensure expedient release and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. Underguarding duties were also done by the BOC’s CoVax Special Handling Taskforce composed of members of NAIA’s Enforcement and Security Service and Aircraft Operations Division.
In his statement, Commissioner Guerrero assured that the Bureau of Customs is ready for the influx of vaccines in the coming days. The Customs chief also reminded the public to be vigilant when availing vaccines as fake vaccines maybe marketed by unscrupulous individuals aiming to profit from the pandemic.
The Bureau of Customs remains committed in its support the government’s national vaccination program and the recovery of the nation from the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.(PR)
