PBBM leads distribution of confiscated mackerel to Baseco residents

DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the distribution of confiscated mackerel to residents of the Baseco Port Area in Manila on Saturday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating smuggling and hoarding of fishery and agricultural products.

“Naiba po ang pamasko namin. Imbes na hamon at saka mga lechon, isda, tulingan ang aming dala. Para naman hindi masayang,” Marcos remarked during the distribution held at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School Gym.

The President highlighted the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) role in aid distribution. “Ito po si DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Siya yung lagi namimigay ng [aming] tulong sa taumbayan. Ang DSWD po ang lead agency [sa aid distribution] in coordination syempre ng ating local government,” he said.

Residents of Barangay 649 in Baseco, totaling 21,000 households, each received two kilos of mackerel through the DSWD.

The distribution will extend to the poorest barangays in 17 other Metro Manila local governments, as well as to communities in Obando and Meycauayan, Bulacan, and Bacoor, Cavite. Select city jails, public hospitals, and care facilities will also benefit, reaching an estimated 150,000 families in total.

The mackerel shipments, valued at approximately PhP178.5 million, were seized in September 2024 from 21 containers at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The consignee is currently under investigation for violating DA Memorandum Order No. 14, s. 2024, which suspends the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances for round scad, mackerel, and bonito.

In November, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) declared the frozen mackerel safe for human consumption. Following this, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) recommended the donation, which the Department of Finance (DOF) approved in December.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) subsequently donated the confiscated goods to the DSWD for distribution under a Deed of Donation and Acceptance (DODA).

To address agricultural sabotage, the BOC seized PhP5.87 billion worth of smuggled agricultural products from July 2022 to November 2024. The agency has also filed 250 cases involving agricultural goods valued at PhP8.59 billion from 2018 to 2024.

The President reiterated the government’s resolve to utilize confiscated goods to benefit the people. “Asahan po niyo na kapag may ganitong pangyayari, ang una naming iniisip [ay] kung paano gagamitin itong mga nahuling bagay-bagay na ito. Kung minsan hindi lang naman pagkain,” he said.

The initiative underscores the administration’s focus on ensuring that confiscated goods are redirected to assist vulnerable sectors and strengthen efforts against smuggling and hoarding.