DOA to transfer smuggled safe-for-consumption mackerel from customs

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Monday that he will request the Bureau of Customs to transfer two container vans of smuggled frozen mackerel found safe for consumption from the Port of Manila to the Department of Agriculture.

The move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to balance public health protection with food access and curb smuggling, in line with the administration's goal to strengthen food security.

Tests by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources confirmed that the fish met Philippine and international safety standards for microbiological contaminants.

The shipment, valued between PHP13 million and PHP20 million, could feed 50,000 families if distributed at a kilo per family.

Additional containers, including red and yellow onions, are being tested for pesticide residue, heavy metals, and bacterial contamination, while smuggled goods in Subic are also undergoing testing.

Laurel noted that this initiative follows a similar effort last December when the President donated 21 container vans of smuggled frozen mackerel worth PHP178.5 million to the public after they were cleared for consumption.