The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formally endorsed six draft criminal complaints against three consignees to the Department of Finance (DOF) for review and approval pursuant to Republic Act No. 12022.
The complaints stem from multiple cases involving the unlawful importation of agricultural products, in violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
“Every shipment that enters our borders must comply with the law,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
“We are fully cooperating with all authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
“We are fully cooperating with all authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Nepomuceno added.
These cases arise from BOC seizure operations in June 2025 targeting the unlawful importation of various agricultural products, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to reinforce border security and prevent agricultural smuggling.
The BOC conducted several seizures involving shipments from different consignees: several shipments of white onions and carrots arrived on 13 and 21 June 2025 with an estimated value of ₱27,065,380.60; a separate shipment of frozen mackerel from another consignee arrived on 21 June 2025 with an estimated value of ₱43,823,940.60; and a shipment of fresh carrots and frozen mackerel from a third consignee arrived on 13 June 2025 with an estimated value of ₱19,391,377.20.
In total, the agricultural products subject of the complaints amount to more than ₱90 million in value, based on the Department of Agriculture’s daily price index.
In accordance with the requirements of Republic Act No. 12022, the BOC transmitted the draft criminal complaints to the Department of Finance for the requisite review and approval before filing the cases with the Department of Justice.
“There will be no compromise when it comes to unlawful activities that threaten our agricultural sector.”
“We will pursue these cases with the full weight of the law—not just to uphold customs regulations, but to protect our farmers, our local industries, and the integrity of the country’s borders, There will be no compromise when it comes to unlawful activities that threaten our agricultural sector,” Nepomuceno stressed.
Parallel to the criminal proceedings, the BOC has initiated administrative actions against concerned personnel in accordance with applicable civil service laws and regulations to determine any administrative liability that may have arisen in connection with the incidents.
