The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has announced a significant breakthrough in the government's ongoing campaign against agricultural smuggling, with the apprehension of a major onion smuggler. BOC Commissioner, Bien Rubio, praised the arrest of Jayson de Roxas Taculog, who was allegedly caught smuggling 30 containers of onions, a detail disclosed by Senator Cynthia Villar during the Senate plenary deliberations on the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed 2024 budget.
Rubio emphasized that this operation underscores the Marcos administration's dedication to combating large-scale agricultural smuggling, which poses a substantial risk to the nation's economy, the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, and the competitiveness of lawful businesses. He expressed hope that this latest operation will act as a strong deterrent to potential smugglers, discouraging them from attempting to flout the law.
BOC Deputy Commissioner, Juvymax Uy, highlighted that the arrest was the outcome of effective coordination between key government agencies and swift action by the bureau. He stressed the bureau's unwavering commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the integrity of legitimate trade and importation. He added that the smuggling of agricultural, poultry, and food products often endangers consumer health and safety.
Uy further stated that the BOC is committed to ensuring thoroughness and finality in these cases. The arrest of the major onion smuggler was executed under a court-issued arrest warrant in Manila, with charges including large-scale agricultural smuggling and economic sabotage.
The DA, in collaboration with the Philippine Competition Commission, is currently investigating the case. DA Secretary Francisco "Kiko" Tiu Laurel Jr. declared that Taculog's arrest is merely the start of a larger campaign against smuggling.
Source: PNA