The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have deepened their collaboration to tackle illegal hazardous waste trafficking in Southeast Asia.
A recent three-day study visit in Manila, part of the UNODC’s Passenger and Cargo Control Program (PCCP), brought together customs officials from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam to improve regional waste management practices.The program focused on enhancing technical expertise and sharing best practices for managing hazardous waste imports.
BOC leaders, including district collectors Rizalino Jose C. Torralba and Alexander Gerard E. Alviar, led sessions showcasing the Bureau’s advanced inspection technologies, such as X-ray systems and container tracking tools. Delegates observed real-world examples of hazardous waste seizures and toured the Customs Operations Center.
UNODC officials emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and capacity-building to halt illegal waste trade.
BOC commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to protecting both the environment and public health through effective regulation.
“The BOC is committed to ensuring that hazardous waste is carefully regulated to protect both our environment and our citizens,” said Rubio. “This collaboration reinforces our shared dedication to maintaining safe, secure borders across Southeast Asia,” the BOC commissioner added.
This study visit is part of the broader UNODC Hazardous Waste Project, which aims to empower Southeast Asian customs authorities to prevent the illegal trade of hazardous materials and safeguard ecosystems across the region.
