In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen national food security and protect the interests of local farmers, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), conducted a joint inspection at the Port of Subic on 8 July 2025. The inspection uncovered misdeclared agricultural products in ten (10) 40-foot containers. These shipments, initially declared as “Chicken Lollipops” or “Chicken Poppers,” were found to contain agricultural commodities, including carrots, white onions, and frozen mackerel.
A total of 52 containers were flagged by the BOC for further inspection, and after extensive evaluation and clearance by the DA, 21 containers have been released. However, 31 containers remain under customs custody, including the 10 containers estimated to hold agricultural goods worth PHP 100 million.
The inspection was led by BOC Port of Subic District Collector Noel C. Estanislao, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. Authorities confirmed that the shipments were misdeclared, a clear attempt to bypass customs regulations. This deliberate misdeclaration not only jeopardized public safety and food security but also posed a serious threat to the livelihood of Filipino farmers, flooding the market with illegally imported goods.
In response to these violations, the Port of Subic will issue Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the shipments for possible violations of Section 19 of DA Circular No. 4, s. 2016; Sections 7(c) and 7(e) of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act; Section 1400, and Section 1113(f) and (l)(3), (4), and (5) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); and Section 61(d) of Republic Act (RA) No. 8550, as amended by RA 10654, and Fisheries Administrative Order 195 s. 1999.
District Collector Estanislao reaffirmed the Port’s commitment to strict enforcement of customs laws, stating, “We will not tolerate any form of smuggling that undermines our agricultural sector and puts consumers at risk. The Port of Subic remains resolute in upholding the law and protecting our borders.”
This operation supports President Marcos Jr.’s efforts to strengthen food security and combat agricultural smuggling. BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the BOC’s commitment to protecting local farmers and consumers from the adverse effects of smuggling and fraudulent practices.
The BOC continues to monitor the remaining containers, with further examinations underway. The Bureau assures the public that it will continue to enforce customs regulations firmly and fairly, ensuring that violators are held accountable for their actions.
Commissioner Nepomuceno has also tasked the relevant offices within the BOC to determine and file the proper charges against the individuals responsible for this illegal activity. The Bureau remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that all violators face the full force of the law.
