MANILA, Philippines- Iniulat ng Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) nitong Biyernes ang pagkakaharang sa shipment ng imported mackerel na idineklarang frozen goods.
Natuklasan ang shipment, naka-consign sa Straradava, na may 19 container vans sa Manila’s South Harbor noong Jan. 21, base sa news release mula sa DA.
Sa spot inspection, natagpuang naglalaman ang isa sa mga van ng mackerel, sa halip na frozen fried taro sticks, taro sweet potato balls at assorted frozen food products.
Ang mackerel ay nasa ilalim ng hurisdiksyon ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
“This is a clear message to those who think they can get away with trifling with the law, we are watching you closely. We are fully committed to enforcing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act to protect consumers, safeguard our farmers, and preserve government revenues,” pahayag ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Sinabi naman ni BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban na bagama’t labas sa mandato nila ang processed plant-based foods, nasaita ng alertong staff ng bureau sa pantalan ng Maynila ang shipments “due to the large volume of imports of a particular frozen product of plant origin.” RNT/SA
