The Bureau of Customs (BOC) submitted six draft criminal complaints against three consignees to the Department of Finance for review under Republic Act No. 12022.
The cases involved the unlawful importation of agricultural products in violation of Section 7 of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The complaints followed BOC seizure operations in June 2025 targeting shipments of white onions, carrots, and frozen mackerel from different consignees.
The combined value of the seized agricultural goods exceeded Php 90 million according to the Department of Agriculture’s daily price index.
In compliance with the law, BOC sent the draft complaints to the Department of Finance (DOF) for review before they could be filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Administrative proceedings have also been initiated against personnel involved to determine any civil service liability related to the incidents.
The BOC stressed that all shipments entering the country must follow regulations. Authorities are cooperating to ensure accountability and to pursue the cases fully. The agency said its goal is to uphold customs rules, protect farmers and local industries, and maintain the integrity of the country’s borders.
Officials said there would be no compromise regarding illegal activities that threaten the agricultural sector, and the agency remains committed to monitoring compliance and enforcing the law.
