Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has mandated the destruction of PHP86.7 million worth of imported onions from China, which were abandoned at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The decision was announced on Friday and involves 26 twenty-foot containers of red onions, comprising 72,215 bags or approximately 650 metric tons. This quantity is roughly equivalent to a day's national consumption.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) recommended the cargo's destruction following laboratory tests that confirmed the onions pose health risks. In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health over the financial value of the stranded goods. "The results of the laboratory analysis clearly show that the shipment poses serious health risks and is no longer fit for human consumption. We cannot allow these to enter the market," Tiu Laurel stated. "The proper course of action is the immediate destruction of the entire consignment."

The BPI reported that months of exposure and improper handling led to significant spoilage, including sprouting, rotting, fungal infestation, discoloration, and a strong foul odor. The current state of the onions presents logistical and biosecurity concerns, as it could result in contamination and pest infestation. The shipment, which arrived last year, had portions of it reaching the port between December 2025 and January 2026, with an estimated PHP9.7 million in unpaid duties and taxes.