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The Bureau of Customs – along with the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Agriculture, and Philippine Coast Guard – is investigating agricultural and other products worth an estimated P524.27 million found in a warehouse in Valenzuela City
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The BOC-MICP issued a warrant of seizure and detention following discrepancies in the warehouse inventory and submitted import documents
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Goods in question include red onions, beans and legumes, ginger and carrots as well as peanut products, and textured vegetable protein, among others
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – along with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – is investigating agricultural and other products worth an estimated P524.27 million found in a warehouse in Valenzuela City over suspected violations of customs and agricultural regulations.
The BOC-Manila International Container Port (MICP), headed by district collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV, issued a warrant of seizure and detention on November 9, 2026, following an inspection that uncovered discrepancies between the warehouse inventory and submitted import documents.
Initial investigation showed that the warehouse operators failed to present sufficient documents establishing the legal importation of the products, payment of the appropriate duties and taxes, and compliance with the necessary DA permits, BOC reported.
Authorities also identified approximately 41,033 sacks of red onions and other products that could not be reconciled with the submitted documents.
The operation stemmed from information received by the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) from the NBI-National Capital Region on October 7, 2026, regarding the possible storage of agricultural products in violation of customs regulations.
Following the report, the BOC issued a letter of authority on October 9 under Sections 222 and 224 of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, authorizing an inspection and inventory of the warehouse.
Farm produce and more
A 100% physical inventory conducted on October 17 recorded 99,289 sacks of red onions valued at P372.3 million, 20,886 sacks of beans and legumes worth P103.7 million, and 18,016 boxes of ginger and carrots valued at P26 million.
Other items found in the warehouse included peanut products, textured vegetable protein, laundry bluing powder, packaging materials and four forklifts.
READ: BOC files charges vs importer, staff over misdeclared agri goods
The operation was led by CIIS-MICP, with support from the NBI, PCG, BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service, and Formal Entry Division.
The BOC also coordinated with the DA and the Bureau of Plant Industry, which recommended further verification of certificates submitted by the warehouse representatives.
The products remain secured under customs guard while the investigation continues. The BOC is also examining possible violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.
“It’s not enough to simply present documents. It must be clear where the products came from, whether they were legally brought into the country, and whether the proper taxes were paid. If we find a violation, we’ll make sure someone is held accountable. We won’t let our farmers suffer losses because of agricultural smuggling,” BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in Filipino.
READ: Economic sabotage charges filed over smuggled cigarettes in Cebu
