President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take firm action against agricultural smugglers, emphasizing the need to prosecute offenders under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which criminalizes such acts as economic sabotage.
Inspection of Smuggled Mackerel
Marcos made the announcement during his inspection of P178.5 million worth of seized frozen mackerel at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in Tondo, Manila. The shipment, consisting of 21 containers, lacked the required clearance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The President confirmed that the case against the individuals behind the smuggling of the mackerel would be the first filed under Republic Act 12022, signed into law in September 2024.
“These smugglers destroy our markets, exploit consumers, and contribute nothing to the government while pocketing what they owe,” Marcos said in Filipino. He also highlighted the smuggling chain, where smugglers hoard products to inflate prices before releasing them into the market.
Support for Marginalized Communities
The seized mackerel will benefit approximately 150,000 families, with 28,000 kilos of fish distributed to disadvantaged barangays across Metro Manila and selected areas in Central Luzon and Calabarzon. Beneficiaries include residents of city jails, public hospitals, and care facilities.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources conducted tests to confirm the mackerel’s safety for human consumption. The donation was formalized through a Deed of Donation and Acceptance signed by BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Strengthened Efforts Against Smuggling
From July 2022 to November 2024, the BOC seized P5.87 billion worth of smuggled agricultural products. Additionally, 250 cases involving agricultural smuggling were filed between 2018 and 2024, representing goods valued at P8.59 billion. Of these cases, four led to convictions.
Marcos reiterated the importance of sustained operations against agricultural smuggling, saying, “We need to control and supervise our food supply, and we cannot do this if smuggling persists.”