Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has inspected 26 containers of abandoned fresh red onions originating from China, marking a significant move in its ongoing efforts to curb irregular agricultural importations at the Manila International Container Port.

According to Philippines News Agency, the shipments comprised 72,215 bags with a collective gross weight of 650,000 kilograms. The estimated market value of these shipments stands at PHP86,684,000, with total equivalent duties and taxes exceeding PHP9 million. Despite the issuance of permits by the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry, the shipments remained unclaimed due to the consignee's failure to process and release them, raising concerns about their quality and safety for consumption.

The Bureau of Customs has issued an abandonment decree due to the unclaimed and unpaid entries associated with these shipments. The Department of Agriculture has recommended against releasing the shipments to the local market, citing potential deterioration in the quality and integrity of the goods, which may render them unfit for human consumption.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of vigilance in handling such cases, stating, "We will continue to act on all reports involving suspicious, unclaimed, or abandoned shipments, lalo na ang mga agricultural products na maaaring makaapekto sa ating mga magsasaka, konsyumer, at lehitimong negosyante (especially our agricultural products that could affect our farmers, consumers, and businessmen)."