The Department of Agriculture (DA) has requested the Bureau of Customs to release 580 metric tons of seized frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution in relief operations.
In a letter addressed to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) determined that the smuggled fish is safe for human consumption.
“Consequently, the fish products are deemed fit for immediate release and can be utilized to address food security needs, especially in relief operations,” the DA chief said.
“This initiative would support the DSWD and the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to provide essential aid to victims of the recent typhoon,” he added.
The 21 container of vans of frozen mackerel, with a total value of some P178.5 million, were seized at the Manila International Container Port for lacking sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.
Tiu Laurel ordered the BFAR to conduct tests on the frozen fish for potential distribution to communities hit by the recent barrage of typhoons.
