Manila: About 22 abandoned refrigerated containers from several countries are placed under Bureau of Customs custody after these were found containing contaminated frozen meat and fish valued at approximately PHP178 million. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the frozen meat shipments were confirmed compromised, raising concerns on their safety and quality.
According to Philippines News Agency, the shipments consisted of thawed beef, pork, chicken, and fish with a total estimated net weight of 576,911.28 kilograms across 22 containers - including 16 from Brazil, two from the Netherlands, and one each from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia. Due to the importer's failure to process the lawful withdrawal of the shipments within the prescribed period, Nepomuceno declared the containers abandoned.
Nepomuceno emphasized, "One of the keys in curbing the smuggling of agricultural products is the BOC's strict surveillance. This is also proof that our actions and steps are continuous and concrete to ensure food safety and the basic needs of our people." The condemned shipments will undergo proper disposal through dumping.
From 2025 to date, the BOC has filed a total of 72 criminal cases before the Department of Justice, 24 of which involve the smuggling of agricultural products.
Meanwhile, Nepomuceno confirmed that Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Commissioner Romeo Rosales resigned on Monday. "He has an official reason and I have accepted that too. According to his report, there's a particular incident that should have been apprehended but (he) failed to make the arrest," Nepomuceno said. When asked if Rosales' resignation was due to a personal assessment of not performing his duty, Nepomuceno affirmed, "Yes."
"He was my PMA classmate and very qualified for the job, and I fully trust my endorsee so hopefully it will be approved by (Finance) Secretary Frederick Go and also by President Bong Bong Marcos Jr.," Nepomuceno added. "Meanwhile, I will be de facto Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Intelligence Group, for the meantime, I will be the one who will give direct instructions to our intelligence operatives," he stated.
