OPERATIVES of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two individuals in Isabela for selling government-procured agricultural chemicals supposed to be distributed to farmers for free.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspects, identified only as Rowena and Dennis, were caught red-handed trading the chemicals during a buy-bust operation.
PNP-CIDG operatives arrested the suspects last Saturday in Barangay San Fermin, Cauayan City, Isabela, after they received information from the Department of Agriculture about their unlawful activities.
The agri-chemical product, marked “not for sale,” is supposed to be distributed to farmer-beneficiaries under the government’s agricultural support program, the CIDG said.
“These agri-chemical inputs were clearly labeled as ‘not for sale’, underscoring that these were not meant for commercial use or profit,” the CIDG said in a statement.
“However, some of our kababayans made profit out of these agricultural-chemical inputs. Thus, (they) violated the law,” the CIDG added, referring to Rowena and Dennis.
Seized from the suspects were 43 sacks of DA’s agricultural-chemical inputs, worth P1.75 million, and a white L300 van, which was used to transport the items.
The CIDG said the suspects were charged with violations of Presidential Decree 1144 (Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority) for selling agricultural chemicals without a license from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority; and Republic Act 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) for the unlawful sale, distribution, and possession of government-provided agricultural products.
Torre assured the public that the CIDG is determined to arrest those violating the law.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in its fight against all criminals and criminalities and steadfast in implementing all the laws, especially agricultural laws,” said Torre.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious and illegal trading and activities in their localities and the CIDG will do the rest,” added Torre.
