In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on agricultural smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted two separate shipments of sugar at the Port of Manila (POM) for violations of customs and importation rules.

On May 29, 2025, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, Assistant Commissioner of the Post Clearance Audit Group Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax R. Uy, and POM District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar jointly led the inspection of the intercepted shipments.

The first operation was carried out on May 23, 2025, following a Pre-Lodgement Control Order issued by District Collector Alviar. A joint team from the BOC, SRA, DA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other enforcement units examined two 20-foot container vans from Thailand containing 1,000 sacks of refined sugar.

While the consignee was registered with the SRA, the shipment lacked the required import allocation and clearance, rendering the importation unauthorized. The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) – POM recommended the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation) in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Sugar Order No. 6, Series of 2022–2023.

In a separate operation, the BOC examined two abandoned 20-foot containers at Warehouse 3, Port of Manila. In coordination with the SRA, DA, Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) – POM, and CIIS – POM, the team found 1,040 bags labeled “sweet mixed powder.” The registered importer disclaimed ownership of the shipment due to its unexpected arrival and associated demurrage costs. Consequently, District Collector Alviar issued a Decree of Abandonment, and the Acting Chief of the Law Division issued a Certificate of Finality pursuant to Section 1130 of the CMTA, authorizing a formal examination. The BOC is currently awaiting laboratory results from the SRA.

Both shipment of sugar are valued at approximately PhP9 million.

During the same inspection activity, the team also examined a 40-foot container misdeclared as fabric, which was found to contain 1,046 boxes or 52,300 reams of illicit cigarettes with an estimated value of PhP81.065 million. A WSD was issued for the shipment in violation of Sections 1400 and 1113 of the CMTA, in relation to National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Rubio, and with the support of Deputy Commissioner Uy and POM District Collector Alviar, the BOC continues to strengthen border security and enhance enforcement efforts in support of the administration’s thrust to uphold food security, public health, and the rule of law.

“President Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the smuggling of agricultural commodities and other regulated goods will not be tolerated. These operations are a direct response to his marching orders to safeguard our borders and protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” said Commissioner Rubio.

The BOC remains steadfast in its commitment to promote lawful trade, prevent smuggling, and contribute to national economic stability through vigilant and coordinated port operations.