The Department of Agriculture (DA) has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to release 580 metric tons of seized frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after it is confirmed its safe for consumption and can be distributed for typhoon-affected areas.
In a letter dated November 18, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel requested Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to facilitate the transfer, citing the evaluation of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). According to the report, there are no signs of spoilage or contamination in the mackerel, thus safe for consumption.
The seized shipment had an estimated value of ₱178.5 million in 21 boxes of frozen mackerel seized at the Manila International Container Port for having no import clearances properly stamped sanitary and phytosanitary.
Secretary Tiu Laurel also ordered the BFAR to conduct tests to ensure that the fish meets safety standards before it can be distributed to vulnerable communities.
This is one of the governmental steps taken to divert seized goods into the service of the public, particularly in helping families affected by natural calamities to recover.
