INTERCEPTED. Bureau of Customs agents check smuggled onions from China at the Port of Manila on Thursday (Oct. 3, 2024). The agency seized around PHP2 million worth of onions. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs - Port of Manila (BOC-POM) seized around PHP2 million worth of onions from China on Thursday.
In a press release on Sunday, BOC-POM District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said a warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment of 25,000 kilos of onions as it lacked the required Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry.
Torralba cited the importance of the inspection in safeguarding public health and the agricultural industry.
“This recent seizure reflects our firm resolve in ensuring that products that are non-compliant with laws, rules and regulations do not infiltrate our markets,” he said.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio commended the BOC-POM’s efforts to combat agricultural smuggling.
“By rigorously enforcing import regulations, we not only shield our citizens from unsafe agricultural products but also enhance public trust and ensure the integrity of our nation’s food supply,” he said. (PNA)
