The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Friday the confiscation of PHP2.83 billion worth of smuggled agricultural products following 71 successful enforcement operations in 2024, marking a significant increase from P1.87 billion in 2023.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that enforcing the Anti-Economic Sabotage Act is crucial in strengthening the government’s crackdown on agricultural smuggling.
He noted that last year’s operations exposed regulatory loopholes that need to be addressed and procedures that must be streamlined to eliminate the illegal entry of agricultural products.
Among the seized goods, imported rice accounted for P1.9 billion, making it the largest single confiscation during the first-border inspection of the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement (IE).
Other major seizures included P316.4 million worth of fisheries products and P178.5 million worth of frozen mackerel, which was later donated to typhoon-affected communities.
The agency also imposed P285.3 million in taxes and tariffs on undervalued rice imports amounting to 32,825 metric tons.
Several other operations led to the confiscation of smuggled white onions and illicit cigarettes worth P115 million in Subic Port, as well as P102.2 million worth of Chinese frozen food and black chicken in Bulacan.
Authorities also intercepted P100 million worth of prohibited meat and products stored illegally in Cavite and another P100 million worth of rotten onions, garlic, pigeon meat, and frozen bullfrogs in Bulacan.
Meanwhile, P74.9 million worth of condemned meat intended for recycling as fish meal was also seized, along with P35.9 million worth of white onions, P13.5 million worth of carrots, and P44,000 worth of tomatoes and mushrooms in cold storage facilities in Navotas.
For 2025, the DA-IE has already confiscated P162.7 million worth of illegal agricultural and fishery products at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila International Container Port, and Subic Bay International Terminal.
Additionally, P6.45 million worth of expired and unlabeled goods were seized from cold storage facilities in Caloocan, Navotas, and Bulacan between January and February, while authorities intercepted PHP152,000 worth of frozen fish in Batangas City.