Photo by: Bureau of Customs
NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has seized imported agricultural products worth approximately ₱35.4 million from a cold storage facility in Nueva Ecija as part of the government’s intensified campaign against agricultural smuggling.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag personally led the inspection of the confiscated goods, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing customs laws, protecting local farmers, and strengthening food security.
The operation was launched following intelligence information provided by the NBI regarding alleged agricultural smuggling activities and possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
Acting on the report, operatives from the BOC-Intelligence Group (BOC-IG) and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), together with the NBI and PCG, conducted enforcement operations at the facility.
Authorities discovered thousands of bags of imported agricultural products, including 6,088 bags of small yellow onions from Holland, 1,080 bags of big yellow onions from China, 3,780 bags of big red onions from China, and 12,350 bags of garlic from China. The seized products have an estimated total value of ₱35,437,198.00.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued on May 21, 2026, for violation of Section 224 of the CMTA.
The operation aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against agricultural smuggling, protect the country’s food supply chain, and ensure compliance with trade and customs regulations.
Meanwhile, the NBI is conducting a separate investigation against the importer and other individuals who may be liable for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. The BOC has also initiated an internal probe to determine whether any customs personnel may have been involved in the unlawful importation and movement of the seized goods.
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
Commissioner Nepomuceno stressed that the Bureau will remain relentless in its campaign against smugglers who undermine legitimate trade and threaten the livelihood of Filipino farmers.
“Hindi natin hahayaan na kumita ang mga smuggler habang nalulugi ang ating mga magsasaka at nalalagay sa alanganin ang food security ng bansa. This operation sends a clear message that the Bureau of Customs, together with our partner agencies, will continue to pursue those who undermine legitimate trade and exploit our agricultural industry,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC-MICP, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera IV, reaffirmed its commitment to proactive border protection, fair trade practices, and accountability in all customs enforcement operations.