House to probe missing rice shipment

MANILA, Philippines – A House of Representatives panel is set to investigate the tons of rice from Vietnam allegedly unloaded at a harbor in Manila early this year and later reported to be missing.

“This is a serious matter that must be investigated to prevent the incident from happening again,” Batangas Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, House agriculture and food committee chairman, said.

He sought stiffer penalties for those found guilty of rice smuggling, which he considers the “highest degree of economic sabotage.”

Mendoza said he received reports that thousands of sacks of rice were smuggled into the country between May and August. 

Mario Alegre of the advocacy group Alliance for Good PH Government said Philippine Ports Authority officials Juan Sta. Ana and Raul Santos had been informed of the missing rice but nothing was done about it. 

The rice was reportedly stored in a warehouse without authorization from the National Food Authority.