SINAG: File charges vs agri smugglers, hoarders

MANILA, Philippines — A farmers’ group wants charges filed against people, including government officials, involved in smuggling, hoarding and price fixing of agricultural products.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) made the call yesterday after President Marcos ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe people involved in these illegal activities, including officials from the Bureau of Customs, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

SINAG president Rosendo So said the DOJ and NBI should unmask personnel from the BOC, DA and BPI who are conspiring with unscrupulous traders.

On Tuesday, Marcos directed concerned agencies to investigate the smuggling, hoarding and price fixing of onions and other agricultural products.?

Marcos, who also serves as agriculture secretary, said the order stemmed from the House hearings conducted on the issue.?

“The investigation should not only include onions but all the agricultural products as it really affects the local industry,” So said.?

SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet said the pieces of evidence gathered during the House inquiry are enough to file charges against those involved.

Retail prices of onions reached as high as P720 per kilo in December 2022 amid shortage in the supply due to hoarding and price manipulation.

Marcos vowed to put an end to the unlawful activities of smugglers and hoaders of agricultural products, saying their operations are causing starvation and poverty.

Marcos did not set a deadline for the investigation, but expects the NBI and DOJ to come up with a comprehensive probe.

Marcos reiterated that the activities of hoarders, smugglers and price manipulators amount to economic sabotage. – Delon Porcalla, Marc Jayson Cayabyab