MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily suspended the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) for certain mackerel and torpedo scad species, following reports of import permit misuse that threaten to destabilize the local fish market.

In Memorandum Order No. 38, signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the agency ordered the immediate halt of SPSIC issuance for horse mackerel—including Atlantic and Japanese jack mackerel—Indian mackerel, wahoo, and both torpedo or hardtail scad. The directive is in relation to an earlier issuance, Memorandum Order No. 37.

The suspension comes after allegations surfaced that some importers had misdeclared or diverted shipments of fishery products, undermining the DA’s efforts to stabilize supply, ensure fair pricing, and maintain legitimate trade operations.

Known locally as alumahan (mackerel) and galunggong (scad), the affected fish varieties are widely consumed by Filipino households for their affordability and culinary versatility.

Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the importation of such essential commodities must be conducted transparently and fairly—not only to secure access for consumers, but also to protect local fishers and traders from the negative effects of illicit trade.

The DA said the measure supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader agenda of ensuring food safety, upholding market fairness, and promoting sustainable livelihoods within the fishery and aquaculture sectors.

Secretary Tiu Laurel clarified that the suspension is not a blanket import ban but a temporary action meant to enforce compliance and protect national interests.

The DA will lift the suspension once a thorough investigation and review of current import protocols are completed, with the aim of reinforcing integrity and accountability in the fish supply chain.