The Bureau of Customs—Port of Manila (BOC-POM) seized a shipment of 25,000 kilograms of fresh onions valued at approximately P2 million.
In a statement yesterday, the BOC said the shipment arrived from China.
Upon verification on October 3, it was confirmed that the shipment lacked the required sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance from the Department of Agriculture—Bureau of Plant Industry, leading to the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention against it.
Rizalino Jose Torralba, BOC-POM district collector, emphasized the importance of the inspection in safeguarding public health and the agricultural industry.
“This recent seizure reflects our firm resolve in ensuring that products that are noncompliant with laws, rules and regulations do not infiltrate our markets,” he said.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended BOC-POM’s efforts to combat agricultural smuggling.
“By rigorously enforcing import regulations, we not only shield our citizens from unsafe agricultural products but also enhance public trust and ensure the integrity of our nation’s food supply,” he said.
Meanwhile, late last week, the BOC said it seized P6.5 billion worth of smuggled vape products in 36 operations carried out between October 2023 and August 2024.
The operations were part of the bureau’s intensified campaign to combat the illegal importation of vape products.
Leon Mogao Jr., chief of the Investigation Division, highlighted the BOC’s enforcement of Republic Act (RA) No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Mogao said most seizures occurred at key entry points, including the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, Port of Clark and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where heightened monitoring and profiling efforts have been in place.
