Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 12) — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has intensified its fight against agricultural smuggling with the majority of criminal complaints filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in the first quarter involving agricultural products.
In a statement on Wednesday, Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said that out of the 65 criminal complaints filed, 49 were related to agricultural smuggling.
Industry stakeholders and other lawmakers have been urging the government to stomp out the smuggling of agricultural products as this hurts the livelihood of local producers.
The remaining complaints, meanwhile, involved fuel, food, cigarettes, general merchandise, and used clothing.
“We will remain vigilant in our efforts to combat smuggling, and we will not hesitate to take legal action against those who seek to violate our laws and jeopardize the welfare of our nation,” Rubio said.
