The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has condemned five containers of smuggled agricultural products at the Port of Subic to safeguard public health and safety.

The shipments, destroyed on Aug. 15, contained frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods. These were forfeited for lacking a phytosanitary certificate, violating Department of Agriculture regulations and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stressed that smuggled agricultural products pose serious health risks. “By condemning these illegal imports, the bureau reaffirms its commitment to protecting Filipino citizens,” he said.

District Collector Noel Estanislao added that the action sends a strong warning to smugglers, affirming the government’s strict enforcement of customs laws to deter illegal trade.