By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of confiscated mackerel to residents of Baseco Port Area in Manila on Saturday, expressing renewed government resolve to go after smugglers and hoarders of fishery and agricultural products.
“Naiba po ang Pamasko namin. Imbes na hamon at saka mga lechon, isda, tulingan ang aming dala. Para naman hindi masayang,” President Marcos said during the distribution at the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School Gym.
“Ito po si DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Siya yung lagi namimigay ng [aming] tulong sa taumbayan. Ang DSWD po ang lead agency [sa aid distribution] in coordination syempre ng ating local government. Asahan po niyo na kapag ka may ganitong pangyayari, ang una naming iniisip [ay] kung paano gagamitin itong mga nahuling bagay-bagay na ito. Kung minsan hindi lang naman pagkain,” the Chief Executive added.
The DSWD managed the distribution of the donated goods to residents in 21,000 households of Barangay 649, with each household receiving two kilos of mackerel.
The frozen mackerel will also be distributed to the poorest barangays of 17 other local governments in Metro Manila, Obando and Meycauayan in Bulacan, and Bacoor in Cavite.
Likewise, select city jails, public hospitals, and various care facilities will also receive the confiscated goods, with an estimated 150,000 families set to benefit from the donation.
On Sept. 28 and 29, 21 containers of frozen mackerel shipments from China, with an estimated market value of P178.5 million, were seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Officials said the consignee of the shipment is being investigated over violation of DA Memorandum Order No. 14, s. 2024, which suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for the importation of round scad, mackerel, and bonito.
-av