Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental – In a decisive move to combat agricultural smuggling and protect the integrity of the country’s food integrity, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. personally leads the inspection and presentation today, June 24, of approximately 25 metric tons of smuggled red onions intercepted at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (MICTSI).

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The shipment, which arrived on May 26, 2025, from China and falsely declared as various food items (Egg noodle, frozen croissants dough, frozen dough buns, pizza dough and spring rolls) consigned to LATINX CONSUMER GOODS TRADING, a non-BPI-licensed importer. Swift action from the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services (BPI-PQS) in Region 10, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), led to the discovery of fresh red onions concealed inside the 40-footer container.

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Following inspection and verification, the BOC recommended the issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention. This joint operation underscores the government’s firm stance against smuggling and its commitment to protecting local agriculture and ensuring food safety.

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Present during the inspection are key officials from the BPI Bureau of Plant Industry, including Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban Assistant Director for Regulatory Services, Ruel C. Gesmundo, NPQSD Chief Joan May Tolentino, PQS Cagayan De Oro Regional Manager, Arnold de la Cruz, and BPI-PPSSD Chief William Mugot to emphasize the Bureau’s unified support in enforcing regulatory measures and protecting the country’s borders from illegal agricultural imports.

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062425-41