With funding from the Government of Japan, the World Customs Organization handed over handheld detection devices (Raman Spectrometer) to the Bureau of Customs (BoC), Philippines in a ceremony held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Custom House on 6 September 2018. Prior to the Handover Ceremony, the devices were tested as per specifications agreed between WCO and the supplier, Rigaku Analytical Devices.

The Commissioner of Customs Mr. Isidro S. Lapena graced the session as Chief Guest and received the devices on behalf of the BoC. In his opening remarks, Commissioner Lapena thanked both the WCO and the Japanese Government for providing the equipment and stressed that with the use of these new devices, the BoC’s capacity in detecting explosive threats accurately and quickly will be raised to a significant height. Most of the senior officials of the Bureau including all three Deputy Commissioners and Collectors also attended the ceremony.

After the Acceptance Test and Handover Ceremony, hands-on training on the use, safety features and handling was conducted at the same venue. 30 frontline and enforcement Customs officials actively took part in the session which was facilitated by the Asia Pacific Security Project and a representative of Rigaku Corporation. The devices will be predominantly used for BoC’s fight against transnational terrorism and movement of precursor chemicals that are believed to be intended for use in manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The WCO, through the Asia Pacific Security Project, is supporting its members in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands in bolstering their capacity in Programme Global Shield, Passenger Controls and Air Cargo Security against Small Arms and Light Weapons.