SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said it is working with national government agencies to address concerns over the alleged importation of electronic waste (e-waste) into the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

During a Talakayan sa Freeport press conference, SBMA officials and representatives from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), discussed the outcome of an inter-agency meeting convened by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno on July 6.

SBMA Director Honorio Allado III said the Freeport does not allow the entry of hazardous or radioactive waste and that recycling operations inside the zone are subject to environmental regulations and monitoring.

“We categorically state that the agency does not allow hazardous waste or radioactive materials inside the Freeport. We support legitimate recycling industries while ensuring compliance with Philippine laws and environmental standards,” Allado said.

He said imported recyclable materials undergo post-entry monitoring and laboratory testing by DENR-accredited facilities to determine the presence of toxic or radioactive substances. According to SBMA, laboratory tests conducted over the past 10 years have not detected toxic or radioactive contamination.

The July 6 inter-agency meeting was attended by representatives from the BOC, DENR, Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, Department of Foreign Affairs, SBMA, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders.

The agencies agreed to submit position papers as part of a legal and policy review while discussions continue on the alleged e-waste shipments.

BOC Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said the meeting focused on identifying lawful courses of action while legal proceedings related to the issue remain pending.

“The Bureau of Customs, together with partner agencies, remains committed to ensuring that all actions taken are consistent with existing laws. The dialogue among government agencies and advocacy groups will continue until a clear and lawful solution is reached,” Lagmay said.

SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Amethya Dela Llana, who heads the Public Health, Safety and Regulatory Group, said recycling companies operating inside the Freeport are required to submit monthly reports on imported materials, processed products, exports, residual waste, and inventory.

She added that residual waste undergoes regular laboratory testing and that registered recycling firms are required to obtain Responsible Recycling (R2) certification.

SBMA officials also said joint inspections conducted by the SBMA, DENR, and BOC on July 1 found recycling facilities generally compliant with environmental permits and operational requirements. They said inspectors recommended improvements in facility maintenance and waste management systems.

The SBMA said it will continue coordinating with national government agencies, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders as discussions on the alleged e-waste shipments continue.

TOP 📸: SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez (right), Senior Deputy Administrator Amethya Dela Llana (center), and Ecology Center OIC Rossell Abuyo display samples of recycled materials recovered from discarded electronic equipment during a press conference in the Subic Bay Freeport. (Ang Pahayagan photo / JUN DUMAGUING)