Release P178.5 million smuggled frozen mackerel, BOC asked

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has asked the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to release the P178.5 million worth of seized smuggled frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Tiu Laurel made the appeal so that the 580 metric tons of fish can be used in the government’s relief efforts.

In a letter to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio dated Nov. 18, Tiu Laurel cited the findings of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which showed that the frozen fish is fit for human consumption, with no signs of spoilage.

“The fish products are deemed fit for immediate release and can be utilized to address food security needs, especially in relief operations. This initiative would support the DSWD and the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s efforts to aid the victims of the recent typhoons,” Tiu Laurel said.

At least 21 shipping containers of frozen mackerel arrived at the Manila International Container Port in October.

The shipment lacked the required sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.

A joint team from the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Office and the BOC intercepted the shipment.

Tiu Laurel has directed BFAR to conduct laboratory tests to evaluate the suitability of the frozen mackerel for distribution to typhoon-affected communities.