The Bureau of Customs (BOC) installed two portal-type X-ray machines at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero led the opening of the newly-installed machines that will increase the port’s maximum inspection capacity with an additional 7,680 containers per day more than its previous capacity.

He said one X-ray machine has the capacity to scan 160 containers per hour.

Previously, the MICP was only equipped with seven mobile-type X-rays, used in rotation, which can scan only 25 containers per hour, or 600 containers per day, and one pallet and cargo X-ray used for scanning boxes and crates.

MICP District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV said with this enhanced inspection capacity, the MICP is ever more ready to protect the Philippine borders from illicit trade, illegal drugs, and contraband.

With about three thousand shipments passing through the MICP every day, he said the new X-ray machine will ensure a balance between trade facilitation and stringent border protection.

The BOC said the portal design allows container trucks to move through the X-ray machine as opposed to the mobile X-ray design where the machine has to move along the length of a container.

It will result in faster and more efficient scanning time and a higher number of containers scanned per hour.

At the same time, the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) and MICP will be setting-up training for the X-ray operators to take full advantage of the new equipment.

The BOC is enhancing its cargo examination and anti-smuggling efforts as part of Guerrero’s 10-point priority program. (PNA)