P13.2 million misdeclared carrots seized in Manila

On Oct 24, 2025

Bureau of Customs Assistant Commissioner and Spokesperson Atty. Vincent Maronilla, fields questions from the media during the opening of 3 container vans of smuggled carrots at the Port of Manila, October 22, 2025 (photo: BOC PIAD).

More than P13 million worth of smuggled fresh carrots from mainland China loaded in 3X40-footer vans misdeclared as “bathroom fixtures” were formally seized on October 22 at the Port of Manila.

Atty. Vincent Maronilla, Assistant Commissioner and BOC spokesperson, said that unknown to the consignee, who was not named, the shipment has been under close Customs monitoring since its arrival last October 2, based on “derogatory information” they received previously.

Subsequently, on October 8, POM District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar placed the shipment on alert leading to its actual physical inspection last October 17.

Maronilla said the result of the inspection resulted to the discovery of 53.284 tons of fresh carrots with an estimated fair market value of P13.282 million.

“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible.

“Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with determination,” Maronilla said.

He added an WSD (warrant of seizure and detention) had already been issued against the shipment under Section 1400 and 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

Meanwhile, the BOC is also set to auction off 13 of the 20 luxury vehicles owned by the couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya that are currently under its custody to raise more revenue for the government.

Maronilla said the auction has been scheduled this coming November 15, stressing the couple has been given sufficient time to prove they were not smuggled.

Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno spearheaded last month the raid at one of the buildings in Pasig City owned by the controversial public works contractors to check on the legitimacy of the vehicles’ purchase.

The BOC initiative is part of a broader government investigation of private contractors involved in the multi-billion flood control projects scandal where the Discayas played a starring role.

Among those to be auctioned, Maronilla added, are a Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini owned by the couple.