SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: The Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic (BoC-POS) seized P8.7 million worth of misdeclared agricultural products that originated from China on December 5, 9 and 10 packed inside 44 container vans.

The port issued 17 alert orders and pre-lodgment orders against the shipments belonging to Asterzenmed Inc. and Victory JM Enterprise OPC.

Of the 44 containers, 24 were consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. and 20 to Victory JM. Based on the initial report, a complete examination of five containers of STC Frozen Shabu-Shabu Balls consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. yielded frozen items like shabu-shabu balls, whole mackerel, boneless buffalo meat and boneless beef (anglo).

On the other hand, four containers declared as bread (pastries), consigned to Victory JM, contained mostly fresh red onions and some mantou, and soft French bread with a collective estimated value of P81,710,550.

A complete examination of the remaining 35 containers is ongoing for a detailed report to be used for issuing a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipments in violation of customs laws, rules and regulations.

The consignees may be charged with possible violations of the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 18 series of 2000 and DA Department Circular 4 series of 2016 in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

They also face violations of the Department of Health-FDA Administrative Order 2020-0017, DA Administrative Order 9 series of 2010, and section 117 in relation to Section 1113(f) of the CMTA.

BoC-POS, under the leadership of District Collector Maritess Martin and through the guidance of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, remains committed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to curb smuggling and protect the borders, especially during the holiday season.