The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a P6.667-million worth of shipment of misdeclared frozen chicken meat from Hong Kong at the Port of Subic.

According to authorities, the shipment had been misdeclared as cooked tofu and was misflagged from inspection following intelligence information indicating the possibility it contained frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities.

Based on the examination, there were 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu.

“The Port of Subic remains steadfast in its duty to protect our borders and ensure that all shipments entering the country comply with customs laws and regulations. Every interception is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard legitimate trade and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said he expects BOC personnel to remain focused on their duties, including the agency’s commitment to prevent smuggling and safeguard legitimate trade.

“Let this seizure serve as a warning to smugglers and those who enable or protect them, whether inside or outside government: the Bureau will relentlessly pursue violators and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” Nepomuceno stressed.

Following the shipment’s discovery, it was recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Sezure and Detention (WSD) for violations of the following: Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; Rule 15(b)(4) and Rule 18(a)(1) of Joint DA-DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-0007, implementing Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013; Article III, Section 1 of Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 6, Series of 2022; in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).