THE Philippines Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized 21 containers of smuggled frozen mackerel from China at the Manila International Container Port, reports the Manila Bulletin.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service recommended issuing a pre-lodgement control order on 21 containers of frozen mackerel from China valued at US$3.07 million, following reports of suspicious information regarding the shipments.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the control order request was made due to concerns about misclassification, misdeclaration, and undeclared goods in the shipment.

Mr Rubio emphasized that protecting the agricultural sector is as important to the bureau's mission as preventing illegal drugs and other contraband from entering the borders of the country.

"Keeping smuggled agricultural products from our local markets ensures fair competition in the domestic market. It also keeps the costs of goods down," Mr Rubio explained.