10 PAL Crew Members Brought Agri Goods Into PH Without Permits

Ten flight crew members of Philippines Airlines (PAL) were discovered to have excess baggage in the flights they were servicing that included lemons, berries and onions, which have been the metaphor for the country’s ongoing struggles with inflation.

In a segment in GMA’s 24 Oras Weekend, PAL flagged two flights from the Middle East where the crew members brought the goods to the country. “We are investigating the incident involving ten crew members who were found to be carrying undeclared vegetables and fruits in their baggage after flying in from Riyadh and Dubai last January 10," said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna in a statement.

However, upon discovering that the packages will be confiscated since they didn’t have the proper permits, the crew members tried to destroy the products. PAL said they have already started a probe on the incident.

From a separate report by TV Patrol, here is the breakdown of the smuggled goods by weight:

From Riyadh

• Onions – 11.5 kilograms
• Lemons – 6 kilograms

From Dubai

• Onions – 15.5 kilograms

• Lemons – 4.5 kilograms
• Strawberry and blueberry – 1 kilogram

If transporting agricultural produce, an individual must seek a plant quarantine certificate (PCQ) from the Bureau of Plant Industry, while commercial entities need to secure a sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPIC). Without a PCQ, SPIC or any other relevant permit, the Bureau of Customs will impose fines and penalties in addition to confiscating the goods.