The Department of Agriculture (DA), DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), formally presented and inspected an estimated P34 million worth of confiscated red and yellow onions and frozen fish at South Harbor, Port of Manila.

Manila, July 1, 2025 — The Department of Agriculture (DA), DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, in partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), formally presented and inspected an estimated P34 million worth of confiscated red and yellow onions and frozen fish at South Harbor, Port of Manila.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the opening of six 40-foot containers. The containers, originating from China, originally declared as egg noodles, spring rolls, and dumplings, were discovered to be carrying fresh red onions (in three containers), yellow onions (in one container), and frozen mackerel (in two containers).

Secretary Laurel was joined by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Paolo S. Teston, DA-BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Manila District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar.

Immediately following the inspection, personnel from the DA-BPI Plant Product Safety Services Division (BPI-PPSSD) collected samples, which will undergo thorough testing for pesticide residue, microbiological analysis, and chemical analysis. The goal of these tests is to determine the potential hazards and health effects of the said smuggled commodities, if any.

The successful operation aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the fight against agricultural smuggling, which aims to protect not only the health of consumers but also the nation’s agriculture

#BagongPilipinas

#ParaSaMasaganangBagongPilipinas

(070125-54)

Total Views: 273