MANILA, Philippines – Mahigit P13.2 milyong halaga ng ismagel na sariwang carrots mula China ang naharang sa Port of Manila, sinabi ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) nitong Miyerkules, Oktubre 22.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ng BOC na ang illegal agricultural products ay ibinyahe sa pamamagitan ng tatlong 40-foot container na dumating sa bansa noong Oktubre 2.
Sa kabila nito, nag-isyu ang BOC-POM Alert Monitoring Unit ng derogatory report sa kargamento kasunod ng pag-isyu ni District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar ng alert order noong Oktubre 8.
Isinagawa ang full physical examination sa kargamento noong Oktubre 17 kung saan napag-alaman na ang 53,283.88 kilo ng sariwang carrots ay idineklarang bathroom fixtures, napkins, at storage boxes.
Ang kargamento ay may estimated fair market value na P13,282,072.77.
“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible,” saad sa pahayag ni BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla.
“Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination,” dagdag pa.
Ilalabas ang warrant of seizure and detention laban sa misdeclared containers sa paglabag sa Section 1400 at 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) ng Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Iginiit ni BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno na ang illegal shipments ng agricultural products “directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade.”
“Under the President’s directive, we are intensifying our border protection measures and improving coordination with other government agencies to stop these unlawful activities at their source. The BOC remains firm in its duty to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the country, safeguarding not only our economy but also the welfare of every Filipino farmer,” ani Nepomuceno. RNT/JGC
