PNP seizes P100-M worth of allegedly unsafe frozen food in Navotas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has seized an estimated P100 million worth of allegedly unsafe frozen meat, fish, and agri-fishery products in Navotas City, preventing the items from reaching consumers ahead of the busy Christmas season.

The operation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following the issuance of search warrants for violations of Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013. Authorities said the enforcement action aims to protect public health amid the increased demand for food during the holidays.

According to the PNP, the CIDG National Capital Region–Regional Field Unit (CIDG NCR-RFU), in coordination with the Intelligence Group, Inspectorate and Enforcement Group (IEG), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Bureau of Customs, conducted the operation on 11 December 2025. The operation remains ongoing.

Law enforcement teams targeted several cold storage warehouses in Navotas City, where they discovered and confiscated 1,071 boxes of assorted frozen meat, fish, and agri-fishery products. 

Initial findings showed that the items were allegedly imported without the necessary permits and clearances from concerned government agencies.

Authorities said the seized goods violated the Food Safety Act of 2013, which enforces a strict “farm-to-fork” system to ensure that food products distributed to consumers are safe and free from health risks.

Acting Chief PNP Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the joint teams for the successful operation, stressing its importance during the Christmas season when food consumption increases due to family gatherings and celebrations.

“This accomplishment underscores the PNP’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health and safety of the public. As we approach Christmas, kaliwa’t kanan ang mga okasyon at handaan,” Nartatez said.

“We remind everyone to remain vigilant and ensure that the food we serve our families is safe, properly sourced, and compliant with food safety standards.”

He emphasized that protecting public welfare goes beyond crime prevention and remains a core mandate of the police organization.

“Under the PNP Focus Agenda, we continue to intensify law enforcement efforts against activities that endanger public health and undermine consumer protection. This operation sends a strong message that violations of food safety laws will not be tolerated,” he added.

Nartatez also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing threats that affect both law enforcement and public health.

“By stopping the distribution of these questionable food products, we are preventing possible foodborne diseases and protecting Filipino consumers, especially during this festive season,” he said.

The PNP reiterated its commitment to strictly enforcing food safety laws and working closely with the Department of Agriculture and other partner agencies to prevent the circulation of unsafe food products nationwide.