P6.4 million in China onions seized in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The Bureau of Customs on Thursday seized an 80-foot container van laden with onions from China valued at P6.4 million, an official said.

Edmundo Magdaraog, acting district customs collector at the Port of Davao in the Sasa district here, said the onions, weighing about 130,000 kilograms, were consigned to Red Jaguar Merchandise and arrived in the country on May 9.

He said Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez ordered the shipment confiscated after it was found out that the importer had no permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Under import laws, agricultural crops and livestock entering the country should be cleared by the BPI against possible pests and diseases.

“Our legal team is now preparing the proper charges against the company,” Magdaraog said.

Ramon Miloria, officer-in-charge of the BPI’s Plant Quarantine Service here, said he recommended that the shipment be sent back to its port of origin.

But Magdaraog said Customs officials would rather have the onions destroyed here, through the help of the BPI.