Acting decisively on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against agricultural smuggling and uphold national food safety standards, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized two 40-foot container shipments at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) containing P12.96 million worth of misdeclared frozen chicken breasts.
The shipments, which originated from China, were fraudulently declared as 5,300 cartons of fish balls. Following derogatory information, Pre-Lodgement Control Orders (PLCO) were issued on August 29, 2025. A joint examination conducted on September 29, 2025, confirmed the fraud, revealing that only 240 cartons contained the declared fish balls, while the remainder were filled with sacks of frozen chicken breasts.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba subsequently issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) dated October 9, 2025, for violations of Sections 117 and 1400 in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
In a show of unity between the executive and legislative branches against smuggling, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, led the inspection of the seized shipments today, October 27, 2025, in coordination with the BOC. He was joined by BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, District Collector Torralba, and other key BOC officials.
Senator Pangilinan underscored the seriousness of the government’s efforts, noting the unprecedented level of cooperation between the Senate and the Bureau.
“Since the start of the Senate hearings on agricultural smuggling, we have been working closely with the BOC, and they have consistently provided us with the necessary documents and information,” Senator Pangilinan stated. “With the entry of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno this July, it is as though he has taken on a role similar to that of Vince Dizon in public works, brought in to help clean up the system. That is why our collaboration is strong and continuous.”
During the inspection, Assistant Commissioner Maronilla explained that the interception provides a clear example of the schemes being investigated by the Senate.
“This interception is a clear example of what we refer to as ‘layering,’ where shipments are declared as processed food products under the Food and Drug Administration, but the majority of their contents are actually smuggled agricultural goods,” Assistant Commissioner Maronilla explained. “This is consistent with the schemes being exposed in the Senate hearings. That is why we invited the good Senator to allow him to personally see the results of our investigation.”
In closing, Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to border security and public welfare.
“We are committed to ensuring that only safe and authorized agricultural imports enter our markets,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said. “With the Senate’s support, we continue to strengthen our enforcement efforts. This interception demonstrates that the safety and welfare of our people remain our top priority. I commend our teams for their diligence.”
The BOC vowed to further strengthen its border protection efforts to curb agricultural smuggling, uphold food safety, and protect legitimate traders and consumers.
