₱23 million misdeclared frozen products seized at Port of Manila

On Aug 1, 2026

PHILIPPINE Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno showing to the media some of the misdeclared frozen goods from China seized at the Port of Manila valued at more than ₱23 million. The unnamed suspects could be sued under RA 12022 for economic sabotage, he said. Also in h=photo to his left are POM District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba and Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Nolasco Bathan (photo: BOC-PIAD).

BUREAU Of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno on July 21 led the inspection of five containers of misdeclared frozen agricultural products and foodstuffs from China valued at ₱23.27 million that could lead to the filing of “economic sabotage” complaint against those behind the shipment.

The BOC said the smuggling attempt was foiled thru its intelligence, risk assessment, and profiling parameters that resulted to the issuance of three Pre-Lodgment Control Orders (PLCOs) and two alert orders by Port of Manila (POM) District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba.

The 100 percent inspection uncovered assorted misdeclared and illegally imported frozen agricultural products, including peeled chicken breast, skinless chicken breast, frozen pigeon, Peking duck, frozen duck meat, and other frozen food items, the BOC said.

Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized the BOC’s commitment to enforcing customs laws while strengthening coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in preventing the entry of illegally imported agricultural commodities that threaten food safety, biosecurity, and the livelihood of local farmers and producers.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Secretary Francisco Laurel at sa buong Department of Agriculture sa kanilang patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa Bureau of Customs sa laban kontra agricultural smuggling.

“Ang mga operasyong tulad nito ay patunay na mas nagiging epektibo ang ating pagpapatupad ng batas kapag magkatuwang ang ating mga ahensya,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

He added he has ordered an evaluation of the incident in relation to Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, as the aggregate value of the goods exceeds the ₱10 million threshold for large-scale agricultural smuggling.

The law now classifies large-scale agricultural smuggling as “economic sabotage” with no bail recommended against the suspects.