Pangilinan firm takes over Manila North Harbor

The Manila North Harbor has finally been turned over to the private company that won last year the contract to operate and manage the port. Metro Pacific Investments Corp., part-owner of Manila North Harbor Port, Inc., told the Philippine Stock Exchange operations of the port had been turned over late on Sunday. "[The Manila North Harbor Port] has mobilized its cargo handling equipment, port labor and other complementary operational requirements and has commenced operations at the Manila North Harbor as of [8 p.m. last April 11]," the listed firm said. The Philippine Ports Authority sent a notice of turnover to the new concessionaire on April 8 with a notice to proceed by April 15. The turnover had been deferred due to labor concerns and concession fees. The joint venture later agreed to absorb 1,000 port workers to end the impasse. — BusinessWorld