Manila, Sept. 8 -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday destroyed PHP87.6 million worth of spoiled smuggled rice and sugar commodities here.

Manuel Zurbito Jr., BOC-Port of Zamboanga district collector, said rice and sugar were destroyed after the Bureau of Plant Industry of the Department of Agriculture certified that the goods were unfit for human consumption.

"Through this destruction, these goods are permanently removed from circulation and prevented from reaching our consumers, to protect public health, to deter smuggling, to ensure that only safe and lawful products enter the market," Zurbito said during the destruction activity at a waste management service firm here.

"This is a vital tool that safeguards food security, mainta...