More smuggled pork seized at Manila port

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) — Authorities seized smuggled pork products worth around ₱3.5 million at the Port of Manila (POM) Wednesday.

A statement from the Bureau of Customs-POM stated that two container trucks from China arrived at South Harbor on October 8, and were misdeclared as seasonings and tomato paste.

The containers were consigned to JRA & Pearl Enterprises and processed by Customs Broker Arlene De Mateo Gonzales.

"Based on the initial report, the consignee declared the shipment as food enhancers (seasoning) and tomato paste with a total declared duties and taxes of ₱337,264.00," the Customs bureau said.

Upon examination, however, the containers were found to have misdeclared pork and other meat products.

This latest confiscation comes on the heels of seized pork and meat products from China last week.

The Philippines bans pork and pork products from China and 15 other countries hit by African Swine Fever (ASF). Others are are Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova, South Africa, Zambia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

ASF only affects pigs, but humans can carry the virus and spread it. The virus quickly spreads in an affected hog, which could lead to death after three to five days, threatening food supply.