The Daily Tribune
DA orders halt on suspected agri smuggling shipments
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to halt the release of 59 container vans at Subic Bay Freeport suspected of containing smuggled agricultural products.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the shipments are believed to contain misdeclared fish and vegetables, consigned to five firms being investigated for potential blacklisting.
Laurel cited the new Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law (Republic Act No. 12022), emphasizing that the entire supply chain, not just consignees, can be held liable for smuggling.
He explained that misdeclaring agricultural goods as processed food allows them to bypass DA regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Plant Industry and fall under the Food and Drug Administration's purview.
The DA Secretary highlighted the importance of a multi-agency approach to effectively intercept smuggling activities into the Philippines.
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) intercepted 10 containers of smuggled agricultural products, including onions, carrots, and mackerel, at the Subic Port.
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Authorities from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Agriculture (DA) intercepted six container vans at the Port of Manila containing smuggled onions and frozen mackerel from China.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will impose sanctions on importers of misdeclared and smuggled goods seized at the Port of Manila.
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The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council seized an estimated P38 million worth of rice, comprising around 26,000 sacks, in Talisay City, Cebu.
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