To combat agricultural smuggling, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has initiated a comprehensive review of accredited fish importers and ordered a moratorium on new applications. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 28 to formalize the re-evaluation of current accreditations and halt the processing of new applications while the review is underway. The initiative aims to ensure that all accredited importers comply with existing regulations, including those outlined in Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 195, series of 1999 and FAO 259, series of 2018.

Arcalas, J. E. (2025, June 11). DA reviews accreditation of fish importers, orders moratorium on new applications. The Philippine Star, p. 2.