P6.7-M chicken shipment seized

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) intercepted a P6.669-million shipment of frozen chicken meat from Hong Kong that was misdeclared as cooked tofu at the Port of Clark.

The shipment, packed in a 40-foot container, was flagged for inspection based on intelligence information that it could contain frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities.

Examination found 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu, contrary to the shipment’s declaration.

The shipment was recommended for the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention for alleged violations of Republic Act 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; the implementing rules of Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013; Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 6, Series of 2022; and Section 1113(f) of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“The Port of Subic remains steadfast in its duty to protect our borders and ensure that all shipments entering the country comply with customs laws and regulations. Every interception is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard legitimate trade and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” district collector Atty. Geniefelle Lagmay said.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the seizure showed that the bureau remains focused on preventing smuggling and protecting legitimate trade despite recent organizational reforms.

“Despite the recent personnel movements and internal cleansing efforts at the Port of Subic, I expect our personnel to remain focused on protecting our borders and faithfully carrying out their responsibilities as public servants,” Nepomuceno said.

He also warned smugglers and those who enable or protect them that the bureau would pursue violators and hold them accountable under the law.