THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through the DA-Wide Field Inspectorate (DA-WFI) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), continues to partner with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to curb the entry of smuggled agricultural commodities to the local markets.
On November 18, a composite team from DA-WFI, BPI, PCG, and the PNP-CIDG, seized a total of 105 sacks of smuggled yellow onions from Divisoria, Mutya ng Pasig and Balintawak markets. The intercepted commodities, with total weight of 744 kilos, is valued at P225,000.
The seized onions were confiscated by the BPI using proper condemnation and disposal procedures.
According to Assistant Secretary James Layug, who heads the DA-WFI, the operation is part of the combined efforts of different government agencies to protect local traders and consumers from the illegal entry of agricultural produce, and safeguard the food safety.
He added that the Department will strengthen efforts to carry out its mandate in ensuring that the country’s food supply is safe while promoting fair trade.
“We will continue to work with other agencies of the government to protect the livelihood of our farmers and fishers,” he said.
