Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with other government agencies, seized PHP34.2 million worth of smuggled agricultural products from China at the Port of Manila. The operation was part of efforts to intensify the crackdown against agricultural smuggling in the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the six container shipments, which arrived in the country on May 27 and June 1, were misdeclared as "assorted food items" such as mantou, egg noodles, and kimchi. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that the confiscated items included two 40-foot containers of frozen mackerel worth PHP20 million, three containers of red onions valued at PHP10.3 million, and one container of white onions worth PHP3.82 million.
The DA conducted the operation in partnership with the BOC, Department of Health (DOH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to combat agri-smuggling, which is considered economic sabotage. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public of ongoing inter-agency efforts to protect the local agricultural industry and the health and safety of the public.
The DA stated that the seized shipments were consigned to Latinx Consumer Goods Trading and Lexxa Consumer Goods Trading. Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla noted that smugglers continue to use "misdeclaration" schemes, attempting to bypass risk management systems by mislabeling goods as "processed food," which falls under FDA and DOH jurisdiction.
Traders behind these smuggling activities may face charges under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. A warrant of seizure and detention was issued for the goods due to misdeclaration and lack of necessary import permits, violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar emphasized the operation's importance in protecting the local industry and maintaining the port as a frontline defense against agricultural smuggling.
Tiu Laurel also addressed the potential link between the newly seized onions and previously flagged illegally imported red onions at Manila's Paco Market. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa highlighted the health risks posed by smuggled goods, noting that E. coli found in the red onions can cause gastrointestinal illness.
The DA has coordinated with the local government unit of Manila to confiscate the smuggled onions at Paco Market. The seized goods from Manila port will undergo sampling and testing by the Bureau of Plant Industry.
