AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor “Nikki” Briones expressed his delight over the successful seizure of smuggled frozen mackerel, estimated to be worth P200 million, at the Port of Manila.
Rep. Briones extended his gratitude to BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel for their diligent law enforcement, which he said is crucial in curbing rampant smuggling in the country.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) discovered the contraband in 21 container vans from China. The cargo was declared as fried taro sticks, cuttlefish flavored balls, and taro sweet potato balls, but was found to contain approximately 720 metric tons of fish, which would have been enough to feed 700,000 families.
According to Briones, the seizure of smuggled frozen mackerel is particularly significant for local fishermen, who are currently struggling with the rainy season, which makes it difficult for them to go out to sea and results in a smaller catch.
Briones, who is one of the authors of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, expects the owners and brokers of the shipment to be charged under the said law.
“That is non-bailable, which is why all those involved in this clear misdeclaration or technical smuggling should be imprisoned,” Briones stated. “Someone should be made an example of and serve a lifetime sentence,” he concluded.
It was also noted that 28 companies have been blacklisted due to similar cases, and four of these have already been charged.
