The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are enhancing security at Manila port to handle the anticipated surge in goods during the upcoming holiday season and “ber” months.
The “ber months,” a reference to September, October, November, and December, are critical for Customs because unscrupulous traders will try to find the opportunity to sneak in their illegal goods in time with the high volume of imports at the ports.
On Thursday, agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service – Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) foiled the entry of about P8.422 million worth of suspected smuggled agricultural products in North Harbor Manila.
The shipment, which consisted of 3,200 cartons of fresh oranges, came from Thailand and lacked the required import sanitary clearance from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).
CIIS Director Verne Enciso said that the “derogatory information” they received from the BPI led them to the seizure of the shipment.
“This interception highlights the coordination and collaboration among and between key government agencies, and even the various units within the BOC. The information we received was immediately verified by our officers and with the help of agriculture experts, we were able to pin down the cargo,” he said.
The failed attempt to smuggle fresh oranges from Thailand was made possible by the timely information shared by the BPI that the shipment lacked the mandatory Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC).
CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso said his team immediately implemented the order as unsanitary imported agricultural products can pose a health risk to local consumers.
“Smuggling does not only pose a threat to the country’s security but more so, it puts our consumers at risk and even impacts the local economy. In the BOC, we are not only committed to protect and secure our borders, but we are also dedicated to ensure that our markets remain free from harmful imported products that can create an avalanche of health and environmental problems,” he added.
Under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita Talusan, the MICP continues to be vigilant against illegal goods and collaborate with other agencies to protect public health and safety, especially now the Christmas season is coming.
The “ber months” period is critical for Customs because unscrupulous traders will try to find the opportunity to sneak in their illegal goods in time with the high volume of imports at the ports.
Talusan said they will continue vigilance against smuggling in the coming months to ensure that all duties and taxes are being paid for increased volume of imports that arrive at the ports for the holidays.
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