By Stephanie Sevillano | July 8, 2025

MANILA – As many as 100 individuals linked to 20 companies may face charges for alleged involvement in agricultural smuggling in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) warned Tuesday.

In an ambush interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reiterated his desire to have someone jailed at least by the end of the year.

“Sabihin nating iyan ang suspects natin (Let’s say that’s our suspects), 100 suspects at least,” he said on the sidelines of the inspection of PHP100 million worth of agricultural products at the Subic port.

The agriculture chief made the remark as blacklisted companies rose to 20 from 18, adding two consignees from the recent operation.

“Ang pinaka-culpable diyan (The most culpable) is the president of each of those companies. Kung 20 iyan (If that’s 20 [companies]), at least 20,” Tiu Laurel said.

The possible charges include violations of provisions of the Food Safety Act of 2013, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Asked if the DA will consider a government-to-government collaboration with China, where most of the smuggled products originated, Tiu Laurel said this may be initiated.

“That’s a good idea, I’ll probably write the Chinese ambassador,” he said. “We really have to look out for shipments coming from China, especially from the port of Xiamen.”

Besides the recently flagged shipments at the Subic port, other smuggled products confiscated at the Port of Manila and Paco public market were also reported to be sourced from China. (PNA)