P178.5 million smuggled mackerel seized at MICP

MANILA, Philippines — At least 567 metric tons of smuggled mackerel from China valued at P178.5 million were confiscated by the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Customs, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced yesterday.

Tiu Laurel said the “hot”  goods were intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

He said 21 shipping containers of the smuggled fish arrived in the country earlier this month, with at least three of the containers opened.

Tiu Laurel said the importer of the frozen fish, Pacific Sealand Foods Corp., failed to produce a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance when the shipment was unloaded at the MICP.

“At current market prices, this frozen mackerel shipment is worth P178.5 million,” he said.

The importer of the smuggled fish will face charges of economic sabotage under Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, according to Tiu Laurel.

He said the government would donate the confiscated mackerel to victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine if the frozen fish are fit for human consumption.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will conduct the tests to determine if the fish are safe to be eaten, Tiu Laurel said –  Evelyn Macairan