Manila, July 1 -- Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday vowed more aggressive government actions against agricultural smugglers, saying he wants to see some them arrested by the end of 2025.

"Talagang hahabulin natin sila at kailangang may makita tayong nakaposas sana (We will really go after them and we hope to see some of them handcuffed, hopefully) by the end of the year," Tiu Laurel said in an ambush interview during the inspection of seized smuggled products at the Port of Manila.

More than PHP34 million worth of smuggled frozen mackerel, as well as red and white onions from China, inside six 40-foot containers were recently confiscated at the Manila port.

Tiu Laurel said 59 more containers are on...