Secretary William Dar of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has called for stricter border controls to curb smuggling and vowed to “put heads on the chopping block” DA officials found to be protectors of illegal traders of agri-fishery products.
“While we continue to be vigilant against illegal activities and smuggling of agri-fishery products, these efforts will remain palliative if our border controls will remain flimsy,” Dar said in a statement.
Dar said there is a need to further strengthen first border protection while beefing up coordination with, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and operations, of the sub-task group on economic intelligence in guarding the country’s borders.
Dar called on lawmakers to provide budgetary support that would allow the BOC and DA to transition to a centralized digital system to fight smuggling.
A Senate probe last week revealed four of the more than 20 alleged smugglers of agricultural products in the country.
“We strongly condemn smuggling, which deprives our farmers and fishers of their incomes and livelihood… Smuggling is a systemic problem. That’s why we have been consistent in warning any official or staff of our OneDA Family who cudgel smugglers. We will not hesitate to file administrative charges against them. We will act swiftly and decisively against those involved among our ranks, whether rank-and-file employees or high-ranking officials,” Dar said. – Jed Macapagal
