Manila, Philippines– The 60-day rice import ban in the country, aimed at protecting farmers and their harvests, will be fully implemented in a few weeks.
That is why Bureau of Customs (BOC) assured that starting September 1, they will strictly enforce monitoring in all ports and customs offices to ensure that no imported rice will slip through or enter the country.
According to Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, they will raise their monitoring to heightened enforcement measures.
This includes strengthening their intelligence efforts and surveillance at all entry and exit points to immediately detect any rice being brought into the ports.
He said they will not tolerate anyone attempting to bring imported rice into the country and will also ensure that all products entering the Philippines are not misdeclared.
If someone is caught violating the President’s directive, they will immediately impose appropriate penalties.
The BOC also said it will continue coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on other measures related to monitoring smugglers.
As of now, the BOC reported that the total value of seized smuggled agricultural products has reached ₱354 million.
The agency reiterated its continued support for the priorities of the government, especially on matters of national concern.
It will be recalled that the President approved the DA’s recommendation to temporarily suspend the importation of rice into the country.