Local authorities arrested three individuals for selling unregistered fertilizers and agricultural growth hormones in Nueva Vizcaya, according to a belated report over the weekend
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Aritao Municipal Police seized approximately P475,000 worth of unregistered farm inputs, including fertilizers and growth enhancers, during the sting operation on Aug.13.
Authorities confiscated 40 bottles of 250-milliliter Morbunga vitamin fertilizer, 80 bottles of 250-milliliter Kill, 24 bottles of 500-milliliter Berde Super Growth Hormones, and 80 bottles of 250-milliliter Long Death.
Arrested were Jemuel, 34; Aiza, 36; and Fernando , 45, all residents of the municipality of Guimba in Nueva Ecija.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. lauded the effort of law enforcers, emphasizing that the prevalence of unregulated products pose a threat to the agriculture sector and the public.
“These unregistered agricultural products undermine our efforts to enhance farm productivity and could pose risks to crops, the environment, and public health,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
Tiu Laurel said the crackdown on the sale of illegal fertilizers and pesticides supports President Marcos’ directive to improve farm production and increase farmers’ income.
Law enforcers staged the sting operation in the municipality of Aritao on August 13 since the FPA did not authorize the sale.
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada said the products seized were not registered with the agency and not authorized for distribution.
Estrada said the sting operation was documented using two alternative recording devices and witnessed by two barangay officials.
