Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully intercepted 21 containers of smuggled frozen mackerel from China, valued at PHP178.5 million, at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio revealed that the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at MICP initiated a Pre-Lodgement Control Order on October 16 after receiving intelligence about misclassified, misdeclared, and undeclared goods.
According to Philippines News Agency, CIIS director Verne Enciso stated that the mackerel containers, each worth PHP8.5 million, arrived in late September and remained unclaimed. The CIIS reached out to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to verify import requirements and check if the consignee had a Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC). Divine Ramos from the BFAR confirmed that the importer, Pacific Sealand Foods Corp., had not applied for such clearance during the specified period.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) had previ
ously suspended the issuance of SPSICs for mackerel, round scad, and bonito, leading to the rejection of further applications. Enciso emphasized the need for inter-agency cooperation in the seizure of these illegal shipments and mentioned ongoing investigations to file appropriate charges.
In a recent letter, Customs Deputy Commissioner for the Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy urged MICP District Collector Rizalino Torralba to issue a warrant of seizure and detention for the shipment. The consignee may face charges under Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in connection with DA regulations.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the Department of Agriculture is considering donating the confiscated fish, pending inspection for food safety. The Bureau of Fisheries will conduct checks to ensure the fish is fit for consumption. If deemed safe, the fish may be distributed to those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, i
n coordination with the Office of the President.