PARA matiyak na hindi na makararating sa merkado, idineklarang “condemned” ng Bureau of Customs ang limang containers ng forfeited agricultural products na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng mahigit P35 million, para mapangalagaan ang kalusugan ng publiko.
“In adherence to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect public health from the dangers of illicit goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Subic, condemned five containers of smuggled agricultural products through proper disposal by dumping on August 15, 2025,” ayon sa inilabas na ulat ng BOC.
Ang nasabat na shipment na naglalaman ng iba’t ibang frozen meat, isda, preserved fruits, gulay at iba pang perishable items, ay ipinag-utos na forfeited in favor of the government dahil sa kawalan ng phytosanitary certificate, na paglabag sa Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 09 series of 2010, D.A. Administrative Order No. 18 series of 2000, and D.A. Department Circular No. 04 series of 2016, in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Sang-ayon sa Customs Memorandum Order No. 24-2021, ang pagkondena sa agricultural goods ay pagtiyak na ang hazardous or unfit for human consumption products ay sisirain at itatapon sa tamang pamamaraan.
Ang nasabing hakbang ay upang mapangalagaan ang mga consumer sa peligrong dala sa kalusugan ng unsafe, unregulated, and illegally imported food products.
“By condemning these illegal imports, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment in protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens. Smuggled agricultural products pose serious risks, and we will continue to act decisively against these threats,” paliwanag ni Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
Magsisilbi rin umanong babala ito sa mga smuggler na “that public health and safety will never be compromised,” ani Comm Nepomuceno.
Dagdag naman ni District Collector Noel Estanislao, “The BOC will continue to rigorously enforce customs laws, ensuring a safer and more secure marketplace while deterring illegal trade that endangers the health of our citizens.”
(JESSE RUIZ)
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