Photo by: Bureau of Customs
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Customs authorities at the Port of Subic intercepted a P6.669-million shipment of frozen chicken meat from Hong Kong after discovering that the shipment had been misdeclared as cooked tofu.
The interception is part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified campaign against agricultural smuggling and customs fraud, particularly the misdeclaration of imported food and agricultural products.
The shipment arrived in a 40-foot container and was declared as cooked tofu. It was subjected to examination after intelligence information indicated that the container might contain frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities.
Upon inspection, customs personnel discovered 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu, which did not match the shipment’s declaration.
Following the discovery, the shipment was recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for alleged violations of food safety, agricultural import and customs laws.
The violations cited include Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; Rule 15(b)(4) and Rule 18(a)(1) of Joint DA-DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-0007 implementing Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013; Article III, Section 1 of Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 6, Series of 2022; in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Photo by: Bureau of Customs
Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said the interception reflects the port’s continuing efforts to prevent prohibited and improperly declared goods from entering the country.
“The Port of Subic remains steadfast in its duty to protect our borders and ensure that all shipments entering the country comply with customs laws and regulations. Every interception is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard legitimate trade and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” Lagmay said.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the latest seizure demonstrates that customs personnel remain focused on their mandate amid recent organizational reforms.
“Despite the recent personnel movements and internal cleansing efforts at the Port of Subic, I expect our personnel to remain focused on protecting our borders and faithfully carrying out their responsibilities as public servants,” Nepomuceno said.
“Our commitment to preventing smuggling and safeguarding legitimate trade must remain steadfast,” he added.
Nepomuceno also warned smugglers and individuals who may facilitate or protect illegal shipments that the bureau will continue to pursue violations.
“Let this seizure serve as a warning to smugglers and those who enable or protect them, whether inside or outside government: the Bureau will relentlessly pursue violators and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” he said.
The interception forms part of the BOC’s sustained campaign against smuggling and customs violations, particularly those involving agricultural and food products.
The bureau said the enforcement effort supports its commitment to food safety, border protection and legitimate trade under the agency’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.