The Department of Agriculture (DA) is asking the Bureau of Customs to release 580 metric tons (MT) of smuggled frozen mackerel to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution after determining that the fish is safe to eat. In a letter addressed to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on November 18, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel highlighted the findings of the National Fisheries Laboratory Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that confirmed that the seized mackerel has no signs of spoilage or contamination. “Consequently, the fish products are deemed fit for immediate release and can be utilized to address food security needs, especially in relief operations,” Tiu Laurel said.

DA to Customs: ‘Release 580 MT of seized frozen fish to DSWD’. (2024, November 25). Panay News, p. 14.