The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Bureau of Customs – Port of Manila, intercepted three (3) forty-foot containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, uncovering over P13.2 million worth of illicit agricultural goods.
District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar issued an Alert Order after the POM Alert Monitoring Unit received a derogatory report. This prompted a full physical examination, during which Customs examiners discovered 53,283.88 kilograms of fresh carrots misdeclared as bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The seized carrots have an estimated fair market value of P13,282,072.77.
Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, together with other key BOC officials, inspected the shipment on October 22.
“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible.”
“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible. Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination,” Assistant Commissioner Maronilla said, emphasizing that the BOC will ensure accountability through proper legal channels.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued against the subject shipment for violation of Section 1400 and 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect local farmers and uphold fair trade.
“These illegal shipments directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade.”
“These illegal shipments directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade. Under the President’s directive, we are intensifying our border protection measures and improving coordination with other government agencies to stop these unlawful activities at their source,” Nepomuceno said.
“The BOC remains firm in its duty to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the country, safeguarding not only our economy but also the welfare of every Filipino farmer,” the customs chief concluded.
