Photo By: Bureau of Customs
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has uncovered and ordered the forfeiture of 26 containers of abandoned fresh red onions from China valued at approximately ₱86.7 million, reinforcing government efforts to curb irregular agricultural importations and protect the interests of local farmers.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, together with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, personally inspected the shipments consisting of 72,215 bags of fresh red onions with a total gross weight of 650,000 kilograms at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The shipments carried an estimated market value of ₱86,684,000 and were subject to ₱9.64 million in duties and taxes, of which more than ₱9 million remained unpaid.
The discovery resulted from a joint verification conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) and the MICP under District Collector Atty. Geoffrey K. De Vera IV, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
Photo By: Bureau of Customs
According to the BPI, import permits had been issued for the shipments. However, the consignee failed to process and claim the goods, raising concerns over the quality and safety of the onions after prolonged storage. The agency advised against releasing the shipments into the local market, citing possible deterioration that could render the products unfit for human consumption.
Authorities also noted that releasing the imported onions during the peak harvest season could adversely affect the livelihood of local onion growers by depressing farmgate prices.
Further investigation revealed that the shipments remained unclaimed and unpaid, prompting customs authorities to declare them abandoned pursuant to Sections 1129(c) and (d) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing customs laws and safeguarding the agricultural sector.
“We will continue to act on all reports involving suspicious, unclaimed, or abandoned shipments, especially agricultural products that may affect our farmers, consumers, and legitimate businesses. The BOC remains steadfast in enforcing the law with transparency and accountability,” Nepomuceno said.
The operation forms part of the BOC’s intensified campaign against smuggling and irregular importations under the agency’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement. The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection, support local industries, and promote transparency in government service.
Customs officials said monitoring and enforcement efforts against unlawful agricultural imports will continue as part of broader measures to ensure food safety, fair trade, and the protection of Filipino farmers.