The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to distribute over 500,000 tons of smuggled frozen fish, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), to residents affected by Typhoon Kristine in the Bicol Region.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio stated that the agency, in collaboration with the DA, will conduct tests to ensure the fish are fit for human consumption before distribution.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted, after an aerial inspection in Naga, that many areas were significantly impacted by the recent storm.
Laurel added that the 21 containers of frozen fish may not be sufficient and could be quickly depleted among evacuees alone.
Authorities are determining the proper channels for distribution and safe consumption of the seized fish.
The only lead DA and BOC have so far is the presence of logos and Chinese characters, suggesting the fish were imported from China.