THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is asking the Bureau of Customs to release 580 metric tons (MT) of smuggled frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution after determining that the fish is safe to eat.
In a letter addressed to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on November 18, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel highlighted the findings of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that confirmed that the seized mackerel has no signs of spoilage or contamination.
“Consequently, the fish products are deemed fit for immediate release and can be utilized to address food security needs, especially in relief operations,” Tiu Laurel said.
He added: “This initiative would support the DSWD and the Department of Agriculture’s ongoing efforts to provide essential aid to victims of the recent typhoon.”
The 21 container vans of frozen mackerel were seized at the Manila International Container Port for lacking sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.
Tiu Laurel ordered the BFAR to conduct tests on the frozen fish for potential distribution to typhoon-affected communities.
The shipment has an estimated value of P178.5 million. (ABS-CBN News)
