Bureau of Customs (BOC) agents inspected various Bulacan warehouses on Wednesday, discovering rice grains and “palay” with an estimated value of around P519 million.
This inspection initiative in Wakas, Bocaue, and San Juan, Balagtas, all within Bulacan, is part of the BOC’s actions to combat rice smuggling.
The warehouses contained a total of 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains and 60,000 sacks of “palay.”
“Yesterday, we had a sectoral meeting with the President, who gave a clear directive about how we can help stop the rising cost of rice in the market,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
“So, this is our answer to that order. We have just discovered four warehouses storing rice grains and palay, and if the owners of these warehouses fail to show proper documents that they legitimately imported the subject sacks of rice and paid correct duties and taxes thereon, then we will take immediate legal action and confiscate the items here,” Rubio added.
Customs authorities said that the 154,000 sacks of imported rice grains originated from Vietnam and Pakistan, with an approximate value of P431 million. Additionally, the 60,000 sacks of “palay” were assessed at a value of P88 million.
P519-M worth of imported rice hidden in Bulacan warehouses
The warehouses have been temporarily sealed and locked while Customs examiners undertake an inventory of the imported goods stored within.
The Customs cited Chapter 2, Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) as the basis for their visitorial and inspection authority.
President Marcos previously directed the BOC to enhance their efforts against rice hoarding and unlawful rice imports. This directive was issued after three warehouses in Bulacan were closed down, stemming from the seizure of an estimated P500 million worth of suspected smuggled rice products.
The BOC plans to examine an additional 20 warehouses in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, believed to house thousands more bags of suspected smuggled rice.
During his second State of the Nation Address, President Marcos strongly cautioned agricultural product smugglers and hoarders, asserting that their activities are under close scrutiny.
Marcos highlighted that smugglers and hoarders’ actions contribute to the surge in prices of agricultural commodities, including essential items like fertilizers, impacting farmers.
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