P100 million ‘smuggled’ agri goods uncovered in Subic

A JOINT government task force against the smuggling of agricultural products conducted an inspection at the Port of Subic last July 8 and later announced the discovery of smuggled goods worth over P100 million loaded in 10X40-footer vans.

The shipments, initially declared as “Chicken Lollipops” or “Chicken Poppers,” were found to contain agricultural commodities, including carrots, white onions, and frozen mackerel.

The inspection was personally conducted by Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair, Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño and Port of Subic District Collector Noel Estanislao.

From the original 52 containers initially flagged, 21 containers were cleared for release.

However, 31 containers remained under BOC custody, including the 10 containers estimated to hold agricultural goods worth P100 million.

The operation came in the aftermath of another joint BOC-DA inspection at the Port of Manila last July also presided by Secretary Laurel where over P34 million worth of smuggled mackerel and onions were also seized (Pinoy Exposé, July 9, 2025).