MANILA (August 21) – The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Subic, condemned five containers of smuggled agricultural products on August 15, 2025, in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard public health from illicit goods.
The shipments, which included frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables, and other perishables, were forfeited for lacking a phytosanitary certificate—violating Department of Agriculture regulations and Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Under Customs Memorandum Order No. 24-2021, the goods were disposed of through proper dumping to prevent unsafe and illegally imported food products from reaching consumers.
“By condemning these illegal imports, the Bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Filipino citizens. Smuggled agricultural products pose serious risks, and we will continue to act decisively against these threats,” said Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
District Collector Noel Estanislao added that the BOC remains firm in enforcing customs laws to ensure a secure marketplace while deterring illegal trade that endangers public health.
