Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday announced plans to distribute smuggled yet 'safe' frozen fish to at least 210,000 Filipino households in areas affected by recent disasters. This initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to communities hit by heavy rains and flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and successive tropical cyclones.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has deemed the smuggled frozen mackerel, previously seized at the Port of Manila and Subic, as 'safe for human consumption' after rigorous testing for histamine and microbiological contaminants returned negative results. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that this distribution could play a crucial role in aiding millions displaced by flooding.

Secretary Tiu Laurel highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "Today, the need is far more urgent. Millions have been displaced, and communities are still reeling from the devastation caused by widespread flooding." He plans to recommend the distribution initiative to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for further action.

The frozen mackerel, totaling 210 metric tons (MT) with 30 MT allocated for each of the seven container vans, will be handed over to the Office of the President (OP) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) once transferred from the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Tiu Laurel remarked, "This may be a small gesture, but it could bring meaningful relief to countless struggling Filipinos."

In a similar effort last December, thousands of Filipino families received frozen fish as an 'unexpected gift' from President Marcos. Meanwhile, other seized goods such as smuggled onions from the Port of Manila and Subic are set for disposal despite testing negative for bacteria, heavy metals, or pesticides, due to signs of decay.