The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted two container shipments at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) carrying misdeclared frozen chicken breasts and fish balls from China, with a total estimated value of ₱12.96 million.
The operation forms part of the intensified government campaign against agricultural smuggling, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect food safety and support local farmers.
Following derogatory information, the BOC issued Pre-Lodgement Control Orders (PLCO) on August 29, 2025, for possible violations of Sections 117 and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). A joint inspection on September 29 revealed that only 240 of the 5,300 cartons contained the declared fish balls, while the rest were filled with frozen chicken breasts.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba subsequently issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) on October 9 against both containers for violations of Sections 117 and 1400 of the CMTA.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, joined the BOC in inspecting the seized shipments on October 27, 2025. He was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, MICP District Collector Torralba, and other BOC officials.
“This is the first time a Deputy Collector was cited in contempt and detained in the Senate, which shows how serious we are in addressing agricultural smuggling,” Pangilinan said. “With Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s entry in July, the Bureau has shown a renewed commitment to cleaning up the system. Our collaboration continues to be strong.”
Assistant Commissioner Maronilla explained that the seized shipment illustrates the “layering” scheme used by smugglers, where processed food products are declared to conceal smuggled agricultural goods.
Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to protect consumers and legitimate importers. “This interception demonstrates that the safety and welfare of our people remain our top priority,” he said. “With the Senate’s support, we will continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts against agricultural smuggling.”
The BOC said it will further tighten border controls to curb smuggling, ensure food safety, and protect legitimate trade.
