Ex-NFA chief faces rice smuggle raps

MANILA, Philippines - Former National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Angelito Banayo and suspected rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan will face criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Eight others allegedly involved in rice smuggling will also be charged.

Sources at the DOJ said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended that Banayo be charged with violating Republic Act 3019, the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

It was under his stint that rice importation permits were granted to “dubious” bidders, sources added.

Sources said the NBI recommended that Bangayan be charged with smuggling and for using a fictitious name.

Bangayan is also known as David Tan in the rice industry, sources added.

The DOJ has yet to approve the recommendation of the NBI.

Last January, NBI agents arrested Bangayan for a different criminal offense.

He has denied involvement in rice smuggling.

However, investigation later revealed the bidders were only Bangayan’s dummies, and that the permits were eventually “recycled” to smuggle more rice.