Sacks of rice loaded on a boat were confiscated by the Bureau of Customs Port of Zamboanga Tuesday.
According to the agency, information was obtained that a boat was carrying sacks of rice from Malaysia.
A joint anti-smuggling operation was launched with the Philippine Coast Guard, and the MV Eshan Khan was intercepted in the waters off Tawi-Tawi.
About 15,000 to 20,000 sacks of rice were discovered on the boat.
The 14 crew of the boat could not present the corresponding documents.
About P15 million worth of rice would have been smuggled into Zamboanga.
The boat’s crews are being investigated. The rice sacks will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs district office for violating the Rice Tarification Law and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Also read: Curfew hours in Metro Manila shorter starting September 16-MMDA
Some areas in 3 barangays in Caloocan subjected to granular lockdown
The number of granular lockdown areas in Caloocan city has increased again due to COVID-19 cases.
In the executive order issued by the local government, it is stated that some areas in the following barangays have been subjected to granular lockdown:
- 6th Atreet, 9th Avenue sa Barangay 104
- Isang compound sa Espina Street sa Barangay 177
- Amparo Compound sa Barangay 171
There are currently 25 active cases of COVID-19 in Barangay 104, while there are 273 active cases in Barangay 177 and 238 active cases in Barangay 171.
The lockdown began on Monday, September 13, and will last until September 26.
Quarantine passes have been suspended, and only health workers, Philippine National Police personnel, and government employees will be allowed to exit and enter the lockdown areas.
Police and barangay personnel are guarding the entry and exit points of the lockdown areas.
The local government has also responded to the food and other needs of the affected residents. They are also scheduled to be swab tested.
The local government continues to encourage residents to adhere to safety protocols and get vaccinated against COVID-19.
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