MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted three forty-foot containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, uncovering over ₱13.2 million worth of undeclared agricultural goods through the Port of Manila.

The shipment arrived on October 2, 2025, and was flagged for inspection following a derogatory report received by the Port of Manila Alert Monitoring Unit. District Collector Alexander Gerard E. Alviar issued an Alert Order on October 8, leading to a full physical examination on October 17.

During the inspection, Customs examiners discovered 53,283.88 kilograms of fresh carrots concealed under the declaration of bathroom fixtures, napkins, and storage boxes. The seized goods have an estimated fair market value of ₱13,282,072.77.

Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, along with key Customs officials, inspected the shipment on October 22.

“We are already preparing the necessary legal actions against those responsible. Misdeclaration is a deliberate act to deceive the government and harm our farmers. The BOC will pursue this case with due process and determination,” Maronilla said, stressing that the agency is committed to holding those involved accountable.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 1400 and 117 (Misdeclaration and Lack of Import Permit), in relation to Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect local farmers and ensure fair trade practices.

“These illegal shipments directly affect the livelihood of our farmers and the integrity of lawful trade,” Nepomuceno said. “Under the President’s directive, we are intensifying our border protection measures and improving coordination with other government agencies to stop these unlawful activities at their source.”

“The BOC remains firm in its duty to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the country, safeguarding not only our economy but also the welfare of every Filipino farmer,” he added.