The Department of Agriculture (DA) is moving to repurpose smuggled frozen mackerel recently seized at Manila and Subic ports into emergency food assistance, amid rising demand for relief as floods strain logistics and disrupt local food distribution networks. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he will recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the release of the confiscated goods, following laboratory confirmation that the fish are safe for human consumption.

Mago, J. (2025, August 3). Seized mackerel to bolster food aid. Daily Tribune, p. B12.