By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Government agencies led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are investigating an estimated P524.27 million worth of products, mostly agricultural commodities, found in a warehouse in Valenzuela City.
During the inspection of the warehouse on Tuesday and based on the 100% physical inventory conducted on Oct. 17, a total of 99,289 sacks of red onions valued at P372.3 million, 20,886 sacks of beans and legumes valued at P103.7 million, and 18,016 boxes of ginger and carrots valued at P26 million were seized.
In addition, peanut products, textured vegetable protein, laundry bluing powder, packaging materials, and four forklifts were also found. The total estimated market value of all products involved in the operation reached P524,274,355.
Based on the markings on the packaging, some of the products originated in China, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, and Egypt. However, the origin of the red onions and some other products has yet to be determined.
It added that the operation began after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the BOC received information from the National Bureau of Investigation – National Capital Region on Oct. 7, regarding the possible storage of agricultural products that did not comply with customs regulations.
Accordingly, the BOC issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) on Oct. 9, pursuant to Sections 222 and 224 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), to conduct an inspection and inventory of the warehouse.
Following the inspection, BOC – Manila International Container Port, led by District Collector Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV and pursuant to the directive of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on Nov. 9, after discrepancies were identified in the inventory and submitted import documents.
Based on initial investigation, no sufficient documents were submitted to prove the legal importation of the products, payment of the correct duties and taxes, and possession of the necessary permits from the DA.
It was also determined that there were approximately 41,033 sacks of red onions and other products that could not be matched with the submitted documents.
“It is not enough to simply show documents. It must be clear where the products came from, whether they entered the country legally, and whether the correct taxes were paid. If violations are found, we will ensure that someone is held accountable. We will not let our farmers go bankrupt due to agricultural smuggling,” said the BOC chief in a statement.
The products remain secured and under customs guard while the investigation continues.
The BOC is also investigating possible violations of Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024).
The operation was in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Agriculture and Philippine Coast Guard.
