The Department of Agriculture (DA) has formally requested the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to release 580 metric tons of seized frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to aid relief operations and bolster food security efforts.
DA said in a statement on Sunday Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has sent a letter dated November 18 to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, highlighting the findings of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
DA said laboratory tests confirmed the frozen fish shipment is fit for human consumption and has no signs of spoilage or contamination.
“Consequently, the fish products are deemed fit for immediate release and can be utilized to address food security needs, especially in relief operations… This initiative would support the DSWD and the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to provide essential aid to victims of the recent typhoon,” Tiu Laurel said in the letter.
The confiscated shipment comprised 21 container vans loaded with frozen mackerel that arrived at the Manila International Container Port last October without sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.
A joint team from the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement Office and the BOC intercepted and seized the shipment valued at approximately P178.5 million.
Following the confiscation, Tiu Laurel directed BFAR to conduct laboratory tests to evaluate the suitability of the frozen mackerel for distribution to typhoon-affected communities.
