Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intensified its crackdown on agricultural smuggling, intercepting ₱47.436 million worth of misdeclared frozen and processed food products at the Port of Subic.

The operation supports the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that only safe and compliant goods reach local markets. Under the leadership of BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the agency continues to strengthen border control through intelligence-driven enforcement strategies.

According to Nepomuceno, these measures are critical in dismantling agricultural smuggling networks that threaten border security and public health.

The seizure stemmed from actionable intelligence gathered by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) regarding shipments suspected of containing misdeclared agricultural goods. This prompted the issuance of Alert Orders. Subsequent shipments from China bearing similar declarations were likewise subjected to Pre-Lodgement Control Orders (PLCOs).

A full physical examination of the cargoes revealed 3,192 cartons of assorted food products—including frozen beef, pork, chicken, and duck, as well as pastry and seafood items—misdeclared as “assorted shabu-shabu balls.”

On March 27, the confiscated goods were presented to the media during an inspection led by Commissioner Nepomuceno, joined by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Carlos Carag, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Ports Operations Ronnie Yambao, and key BOC officials. The activity highlighted strong inter-agency coordination and the agency’s commitment to transparency in enforcement operations.

District Collector Noel Estanislao emphasized that the Port of Subic will further intensify its efforts to secure the country’s borders against agricultural smuggling and other illicit trade.

The shipments were found in violation of multiple provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), as well as Republic Act No. 9711 and Republic Act No. 10611.

The BOC said the operation underscores its continued commitment to protecting the public from unsafe and non-compliant goods while safeguarding government revenues, in line with its Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Program. (MARTI DUMAGUING)

TOP📸 : Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (right) and Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Carlos Carag presented to the media the confiscated goods at the container yard in Subic Bay Freeport. (Ang Pahayagan photos)