03/07/2026
Pess Release
30 June 2026
BOC Seizes ₱2.15-M Unregistered Mosquito Repellents and Conveyance in Dumaguete
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Cebu, through the Subport of Dumaguete and its Customs Police Division - Enforcement and Security Service (CPD-ESS), together with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Port Police, has seized a shipment of unregistered mosquito repellent products along with the transport vehicle used in its conveyance, with a total estimated value of ₱2,152,500, at the Port of Dumaguete, as part of its intensified efforts to curb the entry and distribution of illicit and unregulated goods.
The shipment was discovered on 19 June 2026 during routine monitoring of vehicles disembarking from M/V Evaristo, a domestic vessel arriving from Mindanao that docked at the Port of Dumaguete. Authorities conducted an inspection of a delivery vehicle and found it carrying 1,350 cartons of “BANMA” mosquito insect repellent products.
A thorough examination revealed that the items were labeled “BANMA” and marked “Made in China,” clearly indicating that the goods were imported despite being transported through a domestic route. The seized mosquito repellents have an appraised value of ₱1,552,500, while the transport vehicle used as conveyance is valued at ₱600,000, bringing the total estimated value of the seized goods and conveyance to ₱2,152,500.
Further verification showed that the shipment was not accompanied by the required Bureau of Customs importation documents and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Certificate of Product Registration, rendering it non-compliant with existing customs and health regulations. The products are likewise covered by FDA Advisory No. 2021-2060, which warns the public against the purchase and use of unregistered household or urban pesticide products, including BANMA mosquito repellents.
Consequently, the shipment, along with the transport vehicle used in its conveyance, was seized and placed under custody at the Port of Dumaguete, pending the appropriate forfeiture proceedings for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), particularly Section 117 in relation to Sections 1113(f), 1113(l)(1) and (5), and Sections 1113(a) and 1113(k).
Authorities also established that the transport vehicle used in the shipment was operating without a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), as its provisional authority had already expired.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that the BOC remains firm in preventing the entry and distribution of unregistered goods that may pose risks to public health and safety.
"Hindi natin papayagang makapasok at kumalat sa merkado ang mga produktong walang kaukulang permit, Lalo na’t maaari itong magdulot ng panganib sa kalusugan ng publiko. Mahigpit nating binabantayan hindi lamang ang mga international shipments kundi pati ang mga domestic vessels na dumadaong sa ating mga pantalan upang matiyak na walang nakalulusot na iligal o hindi rehistradong mga produkto. Ang Bureau of Customs ay nananatiling mapagmatyag upang matiyak na ang bawat shipment ay sumusunod sa tama at legal na proseso," Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border protection and safeguard Filipino consumers, the BOC continues to intensify enforcement efforts against smuggling and the proliferation of unregulated goods in the market.
District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad reaffirmed that the Port of Cebu remains committed to protecting the public from potentially harmful products while ensuring strict compliance with customs and regulatory laws.
The Port of Cebu, together with Dumaguete Port Collector Jonah Herbert P. Dollano, reiterated its commitment to uphold lawful trade, protect consumers, and prevent the circulation of goods that pose risks to public health and safety.
