In adherence to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect public health from the dangers of illicit goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Subic, condemned five containers of smuggled agricultural products through proper disposal by dumping.
The shipments, which contained assorted frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items, were forfeited in favor of the government for lack of a phytosanitary certificate, in violation of Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 09 series of 2010, D.A. Administrative Order No. 18 series of 2000, and D.A. Department Circular No. 04 series of 2016, in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
“By condemning these illegal imports, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens.”
“By condemning these illegal imports, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens. Smuggled agricultural products pose serious risks, and we will continue to act decisively against these threats,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
As mandated under Customs Memorandum Order No. 24-2021, the condemnation ensures that agricultural goods deemed hazardous or unfit for human consumption are properly disposed of. This measure safeguards the consumer from health risks posed by unsafe, unregulated, and illegally imported food products.
“The BOC will continue to rigorously enforce customs laws, ensuring a safer and more secure marketplace.”
“The BOC will continue to rigorously enforce customs laws, ensuring a safer and more secure marketplace while deterring illegal trade that endangers the health of our citizens,” District Collector Noel Estanislao stressed.
With this move, the government delivers a strong warning to smugglers—that public health and safety will never be compromised.
