MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 19 forty-foot containers of frozen mackerel misdeclared as frozen fried taro at the Port of Manila (POM) on March 3, 2025.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, alongside Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., and District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar, led the inspection of the seized shipment, which was flagged for possible agricultural smuggling.
Authorities are investigating the individuals behind the misdeclaration, with possible charges for violating customs and agriculture laws. The BOC reaffirmed its commitment to curbing smuggling and protecting local industries from illicit trade.