By Ferdinand Patinio

CONTAMINATED GOODS. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno leads the inspection of 22 abandoned refrigerated containers from various countries, containing contaminated frozen meat and fish and valued at approximately PHP178 million, at Manila International Container Port on Tuesday (April 14, 2026). The operation supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and ensure food safety, particularly in preventing the entry and distribution of potentially harmful agricultural imports. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – About 22 abandoned refrigerated containers from several countries are placed under Bureau of Customs custody after these were found containing contaminated frozen meat and fish valued at approximately PHP178 million.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the frozen meat shipments were confirmed compromised, raising serious concerns on their safety and quality.

The shipments consisted of thawed beef, pork, chicken and fish with a total estimated net weight of 576,911.28 kilograms across 22 containers – including 16 from Brazil, two from the Netherlands, and one each from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia.

Due to the importer’s failure to process the lawful withdrawal of the shipments within the prescribed period, Nepomuceno said the containers were declared abandoned.

“One of the keys in curbing the smuggling of agricultural products is the BOC’s strict surveillance. This is also proof that our actions and steps are continuous and concrete to ensure food safety and the basic needs of our people,” he said.

The condemned shipments will undergo proper disposal through dumping.

From 2025 to date, the BOC has filed a total of 72 criminal cases before the Department of Justice, 24 of which involve the smuggling of agricultural products.

Resigned

Meanwhile, Nepomuceno confirmed that Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Commissioner Romeo Rosales resigned on Monday.

“He has an official reason and I have accepted that too. According to his report, there’s a particular incident that should have been apprehended but (he) failed to make the arrest,” he said.

Asked if it was the BOC official’s personal assessment that he did not perform his duty as the reason why he resigned, Nepomuceno added, “Yes.”

“He was my PMA classmate and very qualified for the job, and I fully trust my endorsee so hopefully it will be approved by (Finance) Secretary Frederick Go and also by President Bong Bong Marcos Jr.,” he said.

“Meanwhile, I will be de facto Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Intelligence Group, for the meantime, I will be the one who will give direct instructions to our intelligence operatives,” Nepomuceno added. (PNA)