Manila:A total of PHP11.6 billion worth of smuggled agricultural products have been seized as the government intensifies its efforts against economic sabotage, according to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

According to Philippines News Agency, the substantial haul of farm and fisheries contraband was captured in 67 operations conducted between February 2025 and July of the current year. This enhanced campaign has also resulted in the filing of administrative or criminal complaints against 218 individuals, with Recto emphasizing a relentless pursuit of justice in these cases.

Recto highlighted the dual challenges posed by smuggling, which not only evades duties but also bypasses food safety checks, risking the introduction of substandard food into the local market. The looming threat of an El Niño-induced dry spell has further incentivized smugglers to exploit potential shortages by flooding the market with illicit products.

Despite the crackdown on smuggling, Recto clarified that the primary policy focus remains on boosting domestic production to ensure food security, especially in light of the country's growing population. The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in September 2024, has strengthened legal measures against smuggling, including higher penalties and the establishment of a Special Team of Prosecutors.

The law also established the multisectoral Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council to oversee a comprehensive approach to combating smuggling. The council, led by retired Police Maj. Gen. Leonora Camarao, has been bolstered by 49 new positions to enhance its operational capacity.

Recto noted the government's shift from sporadic crackdowns to a sustained, intelligence-driven campaign, aiming to dismantle the networks behind agricultural smuggling and other economic sabotage activities.