The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has vowed to sustain the administration’s crackdown against agricultural smuggling, following the recent seizure of PHP42 million worth of imported rice in Zamboanga City.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement that the BOC treats this matter with the utmost urgency, as it is crucial not only for Filipino farmers but also for all Filipinos who work diligently to put food on the table.
The BOC issued an order to seize the imported rice kept in a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City, after its owner reportedly failed to submit necessary documents for 42,180 sacks of rice, including proof of legal importation and payment of correct duties and taxes.
Part of the seized sacks of rice was distributed to select Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Tungawan on Tuesday.
BOC Spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla said the Bureau is now verifying reports about rice smuggling in other provinces around the country, with values higher than those seized in Zamboanga City.
He added that the government is also coordinating with Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and India to check the supply coming into the country.
Maronilla also assured stricter monitoring to prevent technical smuggling of agricultural products, such as misclassification or misdeclaration of agricultural products for importers to pay lower or different tariff rates.
He added that the BOC has been continuously filing smuggling cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The BOC’s crackdown on agricultural smuggling is a welcome development, as it helps to protect Filipino farmers and ensure the country’s food security.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 21, 2023
