Gov’t agencies seize shipment of ₱190-M misdeclared items at Subic Port

Coordinated efforts by government agencies have led to the seizure of misdeclared items worth a total of ₱190-million at the Port of Subic.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Rolen C. Paulino revealed that the BOC Port of Subic, thru information from the Department of Agriculture (DA), discovered 58 containers loaded with 30,000 sacks of misdeclared refined sugar worth ₱150-million. 

Following the issuance of Pre-Lodgement Control Orders and Alert Orders by District Collector Maritess Martin, Paulino, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, and DA Assistant Secretary James Layug conducted an examination of the shipment on Thursday.

Aside from the 58 containers, two more containers of misdeclared assorted frozen meat products were seized which cost around ₱40 million. 

Martin said that the agency is set to issue a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the subject containers for violation of Section 1400, in relation to Section 1113 (f) of the Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and Sugar Regulatory Authority and BOC Joint Memorandum Order No. 04-2002.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio lauded the vigilance of the pertinent agencies, citing, “the BOC continues to maximize its intelligence resources and intensify enforcement measures to thwart all attempts of smuggling, especially those involving agricultural products that negatively impact our local farmers and businesses.”

“It has always been a priority of the BOC to protect local consumers against the health hazards posed by these illegally imported goods,” he added.

SBMA Chairman Paulino lauded the personnel of the agency, together with the BOC and the DA for foiling the attempt to smuggle ₱150-million worth of misdeclared sugar, along with the P40-million worth of misdeclared frozen products.

“We will follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust in ensuring that Subic Freeport will not be an entry point for smuggled items. The SBMA, BOC Port of Subic, and the DA are working hand-in-hand to thwart any illegal trade happening in Subic Freeport,” he said. (MPD-SBMA)