By Ruben A. Veloria
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT- The Bureau of Customs– Port of Subic, in joint operation with Department of Agriculture (DA), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), on Tuesday (July 8) conducted inspection of ten 40-footer containers flagged under Alert Orders issued by the DA.
The inspection was led by Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao, in partnership with DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, in line with the decisive move of the government against agricultural smuggling.
The shipments which were declared as “chicken lollipops” or “chicken poppers” were reported to be part of the 31 shipments currently held under customs custody, pending physical examination and inventory due to suspected misdeclaration.
During actual inspection, it was confirmed that the containers were packed with of agricultural commodities from China, including carrots, white onions, and frozen mackerel, estimated to be worth more than ₱100 million. However, officials believe that the value may reach ₱300 million when sold in the market.
The deliberate misdeclaration is viewed as a blatant attempt to evade regulatory procedures and poses serious threats to public health, food safety, and the nation’s agricultural sector.
The BoC– Port of Subic will issue Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the shipments for possible violations of the various laws on importation of agricultural products, misdeclaration and tariff laws.
Collector Estanislao reaffirmed the Port’s commitment to strict enforcement of customs laws saying, “We will not tolerate any form of smuggling that undermines our agricultural sector and puts consumers at risk. The Port of Subic remains resolute in upholding the law and protecting our borders.”
For his part, Agriculture Sec. Laurel emphasized the expanded accountability under the newly enacted law, stating, “Under the new Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, we can now pursue not just consignees, but also customs brokers, transporters, sellers, and buyers. Smuggling is no longer a victimless crime—we are going after the entire supply chain.”
Meanwhile, this high-level inspection underscores the strong and unified collaboration between BOC, DA, and SBMA in support of the President’s directive to curb smuggling and safeguard national food security.
Commissioner of Customs Ariel F. Nepomuceno, through Collector Estanislao, also expressed full support for intensified border protection and legal action against agricultural smuggling.
Further examinations of the remaining containers are underway. The Bureau of Customs assures the public that all violators will be dealt with accordingly, and that enforcement will continue without fear or favor.
