In a concerted effort to combat illicit trade and protect local agricultural industries, Bureau of Customs Commissioner (BOC) Bienvenido Y. Rubio and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. spearheaded a seizure operation, uncovering various agricultural products in Dagat-dagatan, Navotas City.

Acting on intelligence information received from a confidential informant, combined agents of the BOC Port of Manila-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (POM-CIIS), led by its Team Leader Joel Pinawin, and DA, launched a surveillance operation targeting a compound suspected of harboring smuggled agricultural products. On August 15, 2024, with the assistance of the Northern Police District – Navotas Police Station headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Randolf Asuncion and local barangay officials, the team conducted an inspection and discovered two (2) cold storage units containing a variety of agricultural goods.

Inside the storage units, authorities found 63 Metric Tons of imported onions, carrots, tomatoes, pickled radish, and egg noodles. These goods were reportedly stored without proper payment of duties and taxes owed to the government.

Upon verification of the intelligence information, BOC agents promptly sealed the warehouse doors to secure the subject agricultural products. The operation also involved support from the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) staff, SWAT teams, and barangay representatives, ensuring comprehensive enforcement and coordination on the ground.

Additional assistance was also extended to BOC and DA by the Local Government Unit of Navotas, led by Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Philippine Coast Guard – Task Force Aduana (PCG-TFA), under the command of CG Captain Alvin Dagalea.

This joint operation underscores the commitment of the BOC, DA, and other law enforcement agencies to uphold trade regulations and safeguard the integrity of the agricultural sector against illicit activities.

“This successful operation is a testament of our relentless effort to crack down on the smuggling of agricultural products,” BOC Commissioner Rubio said. “We are resolute in our mission to protect our local farmers and industries from unfair competition and ensure that those who violate our laws are held accountable. This is just one of many steps we are taking to intensify our crackdown on smuggling activities,” he added.

Nevertheless, in the observance of the due process requirements pursuant to Section 224 of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the warehouse owner/operator have fifteen (15) days from service of the Letter of Authority to refute the findings and submit documents to show that the subject agricultural products were legitimately imported and paid correct duties and taxes due thereon.

During the media viewing on August 19, 2024, Commissioner Rubio further stressed that: “Following the discovery, I directed my Intelligence Group-CIIS to initiate a thorough investigation to identify the personalities involved in the foiled smuggling of agricultural products, including the importer of record, the processing licensed customs broker, the warehouse owner and/or lessee, and their cohorts. Criminal charges for Unlawful Importation will be promptly and actively pursued against those identified responsible as warranted by the evidence gathered in the course of the investigation.”