Senator Kiko Pangilinan commended the Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation for the seizure of ₱35.4 million worth of smuggled agricultural products, saying the operation highlights the urgent need to curb smuggling, which contributes to the collapse of farmgate onion prices and undermines the livelihood of local farmers.
The issue was among those raised during the Senate hearing in Nueva Ecija under Senate Resolution No. 344.
Pangilinan said the operation sends a strong message that the government is serious about protecting Filipino farmers and safeguarding the country’s food security.
“’Yung ₱35 million na nakumpiskang smuggled onions, ₱35 million na pwedeng mapunta sa bulsa ng ating mga onion farmers. Ganyan kahalaga ang gawain ninyo sa BOC at NBI,” the veteran legislator stressed.
The operation, led by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI Director Melvin Matibag, uncovered thousands of bags of imported yellow onions, red onions, garlic, and other agricultural products suspected of lacking proper import documentation.
The seasoned lawmaker praised the coordination between Customs, the NBI, and other government agencies involved in the anti-agricultural smuggling campaign.
“Sa pagtugis sa mga food smugglers, pinoprotektahan natin ang ating seguridad sa pagkain at ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda.”
“Sa pagtugis sa mga food smugglers, pinoprotektahan natin ang ating seguridad sa pagkain at ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda mula sa hindi pagbayad ng wastong buwis nitong mga smuggler,” the senator said.
He noted that agricultural smuggling not only deprives the government of revenues but also harms local producers who must compete against illegally imported products.
Pangilinan said every successful operation against smugglers helps strengthen the country’s food production sector and protects the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
“Kapag pinatay ang ating sariling sistema ng pagkain, pagpatay rin ‘yun sa industriya ng food production sa Pilipinas, at pagpapahina a ating kakayahang pakainin ang ating mga sarili,” he stressed.
Nueva Ecija is among the country’s top onion-producing provinces, and local growers have long raised concerns about the impact of illegal imports on farmgate prices and their incomes.
Pangilinan expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would help identify those responsible for the shipment and further strengthen efforts against agricultural smuggling.
“In the age of high fuel prices and volatility of the geopolitical situation, it is imperative that Filipinos are able to feed themselves.”
“In the age of high fuel prices and volatility of the geopolitical situation, it is imperative that Filipinos are able to feed themselves,” he said.
Pangilinan added that protecting local agriculture and ensuring fair competition in the market are essential to achieving long-term food security, especially as global supply chains continue to face uncertainty.
The seized products remain under investigation as authorities continue case build-up and verification of import documents.
