The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P400 million worth of suspected smuggled rice and other imported products from Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar in an operation at three warehouses in Tondo, Manila.
Apart from suspected smuggled rice, the BOC also confiscated millions worth of other products such as toys, cosmetics, kitchenware, household wares, videoke machines, fabrics, pharmaceutical products, shoes, apparel, and general merchandise.
According to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the total amount of goods they discovered in the mentioned warehouses was P90.2 million, of which part came from the 36,086 sacks.
Moreover, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Manila International Container Port, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) imposed the letters of authority, which were signed by Rubio against three warehouses on September 16.
Earlier, Senator Francis Escudero said that the authorities should not stop confiscating rice that is found to be imported and sold illegally.
He added that appropriate cases must be filed against individuals who allegedly facilitate the unlawful entry of rice and those hoarding the food staple.
