DA Orders Customs to Suspend Release of Smuggled Shipments
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has urgently called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to halt the release of 59 container vans recently brought into the Subic Bay Freeport. These shipments are suspected of carrying smuggled agricultural products, raising serious concerns about illegal trade.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed that the shipments mostly contain fish and vegetable items that were misdeclared. They were consigned to five trading firms now under review for possible blacklisting. This move highlights the DA’s commitment to cracking down on smuggling within the agricultural sector.
Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law Enforcement
Under the recently enacted Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law (Republic Act No. 12022), authorities can pursue not only the consignees but also customs brokers, transporters, sellers, and buyers involved in smuggling. Secretary Laurel stressed, “Smuggling is no longer a victimless crime — we are going after the entire supply chain.”
The misdeclaration tactic involves labeling agricultural goods as processed food, which allows them to bypass the Department of Agriculture’s regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Instead, these goods fall under the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oversight under the Department of Health (DOH). Meanwhile, the seizure and inspection of such items are under the BOC’s jurisdiction, part of the Department of Finance (DOF).
Strengthening Multi-Agency Cooperation
Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of a multi-agency approach to prevent smuggling. He said, “With unified efforts from the DA, DOH, and DOF, we can protect our farmers and ensure fair trade.” This collaboration aims to close loopholes that smugglers exploit and to safeguard local agricultural industries.
He also pledged to develop a country-specific risk assessment system targeting illegal imports, particularly those originating from China. This targeted approach is expected to enhance detection and interception of smuggled goods.
Recent Smuggling Busts Highlight the Problem
In a recent joint operation at the Port of Manila, the DA, BOC, and BPI uncovered fresh onions worth P34 million that were smuggled and consigned to Latinx Consumer Goods Trading and Lexxa Consumer Goods. Secretary Laurel voiced his frustration, stating, “It’s infuriating that dozens of container vans loaded with undeclared agricultural products are still making it onto Philippine soil.”
He added, “This is unacceptable — and there will be no letup in our campaign against smugglers. We will pursue them relentlessly.” These statements show the DA’s firm stance against illegal imports that threaten local farmers and the economy.
For more news and updates on agricultural smuggling, visit Filipinokami.com.