TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are probing an alleged agricultural smuggling operation following the seizure of imported onions and garlic worth an estimated ₱35.4 million from a cold storage facility in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and NBI Director Melvin Matibag led the inspection of the seized goods, which were uncovered during an enforcement operation prompted by information on possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The operation was conducted by the Bureau of Customs–Intelligence Group and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–Manila International Container Port, in coordination with the NBI and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Authorities recovered 6,088 bags of small yellow onions from Holland; 1,080 bags of big yellow onions, 3,780 bags of big red onions, and 12,350 bags of garlic from China, with a total estimated value of P35,437,198.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued on May 21, following the discovery of the goods, for violation of Section 224 of the CMTA.
BOC Commissioner Nepomuceno said the participation of the NBI strengthens efforts to identify not only those directly involved in the cold storage facility but also individuals who may have financed or facilitated the alleged illegal importation.
“Dahil kasama natin ang NBI, hindi lang sa intelligence, kundi sa pag-iimbestiga pa kung sino ang mga nasa likod nito. Ito ay malaking pagbabago ngayon dahil tutumbukin natin, hindi lang kung sino yung guwardiya o mga helpers dito sa warehouse, hahanapin natin sa pamamagitan ng imbestigasyon ng NBI kung sino nasa likod nito — ang pumondo, ang mga maaaring kawani ng pamahalaan na nagbigay ng maling permit o maling inspeksyon upang magkaroon ng ganitong problema,” he stated.
(Because the NBI is with us, not only in intelligence work but also in investigating who is behind this. This is a big change now because we will not only identify the guards or helpers here at the warehouse; through the NBI investigation, we will identify who is behind this — those who financed it, and the possible government employees who issued the wrong permits or conducted improper inspections that led to this problem.)
He added that the operation underscores the government’s commitment to protect farmers and ensure food security.
“Hindi natin hahayaan na kumita ang mga smuggler habang nalulugi ang ating mga magsasaka at nalalagay sa alanganin ang food security ng bansa,” Nepomuceno emphasized.
(We will not allow smugglers to profit while our farmers suffer losses and the country’s food security is put at risk.)
He further stressed that the BOC, together with its partner agencies, will continue to pursue those who undermine legitimate trade and exploit the agricultural sector.
NBI Director Matibag, meanwhile, noted that investigators have already identified irregularities that may help determine those responsible, including possible lapses in the issuance of permits.
“Mayroon na kaming mga nakitang ilang kamalian na maaaring magturo na tutumbok doon sa mga tao na [responsable] dito, kasama na yung mga opisyal ng gobyerno na mayroong pagkukulang sa pag-iisyu ng tamang permit para mangyari ito,” he said.
(We have already seen several irregularities that may point to the individuals responsible for this, including government officials who may have had lapses in issuing the proper permits for this to happen.)
Matibag also assured continued coordination among enforcement agencies to address illegal importation and related violations.
The NBI is investigating the importer and other liable parties for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, while the BOC is conducting an internal probe to determine whether any of its personnel were involved in the unlawful importation or movement of the seized goods.
The operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen food security, protect the agriculture sector, and ensure strict compliance with customs and trade regulations.
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