MANILA — The Bureau of Customs has asked the Bureau of Immigration to issue a lookout bulletin order against 13 people facing criminal complaints over the alleged unlawful importation of agricultural products.

The request followed the filing of criminal complaints with the Department of Justice on Sept. 24. Customs officials said the shipments were declared as “chicken lollipops” but were found to contain thousands of sacks of fresh onions and boxes of carrots without the required regulatory clearances.

“We will use every legal measure available to hold accountable all those responsible,” Customs Commissioner Nepomuceno said. “Anyone who enables, facilitates, or takes part in smuggling will have to answer for it. We will pursue these cases wherever the evidence leads.”

The requested lookout order covers the importer’s owner and representatives, a licensed customs broker, and nine Customs officials and employees allegedly linked to the shipments.

In a letter to Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado, Customs said the request would allow authorities to monitor the individuals’ international travel and help ensure their availability for the ongoing investigation and any subsequent proceedings, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Customs also asked the Immigration bureau to consider a supplemental list if other people linked to the cases are identified during the investigation.

The bureau said it would continue pursuing administrative and legal action against people allegedly involved in agricultural smuggling, including those in the private sector and within the agency. (Bureau of Customs Press Release)