Subic: The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized PHP100 million worth of smuggled agricultural products at the Subic port in Zambales. This operation was part of an intensified effort to combat agricultural smuggling, following the DA's order to suspend the release of 59 40-foot shipments from China at the Subic Bay New Container Terminal.
According to Philippines News Agency, out of the total flagged shipments, 52 were verified, with 21 containers cleared for release and 31 failing the examination. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that 10 of the 31 illicit shipments contained smuggled frozen fish, carrots, and onions, which were misdeclared as chicken lollipops and chicken karaage without any import permit. BOC Collector Noel Estanislao estimated the market value of all 31 shipments to potentially reach at least PHP300 million.
All shipments will undergo testing to ensure safety for human consumption. If the products test negative for heavy metals and other biological hazards, Tiu Laurel mentioned that they would seek presidential approval to distribute them to impoverished Filipino families.
Previously, on July 1, the DA seized PHP34.2 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from China at the Port of Manila, which included illegally imported red and white onions and frozen fish. These products are currently undergoing testing by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
Tiu Laurel highlighted that agricultural smuggling poses a national security concern, impacting the economy and public health. Earlier tests of confiscated illegally imported red onions at Paco market revealed the presence of E.coli. Laurel emphasized that smuggling disrupts trade, affects the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk, and promotes corruption at multiple levels.
He assured that there is close coordination among the BOC, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to tackle the issue. Consignees and key individuals involved in these illegal activities may face charges under the Food Safety Act of 2013, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
