THE PNP will fully comply with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to intensify the implementation of Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, to stop the illegal activities of rice syndicates.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said: “The PNP is fully prepared to support the implementation of this law to protect our farmers and ensure that rice remains affordable for every Filipino household.”
President Marcos Jr, who signed RA 12022 last September, ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) last Saturday to strengthen the implementation of the law.
Marbil said the President’s signing of the law was a decisive move to ensure food security and protect consumers from high rice prices due to illegal activities.
“Smugglers and hoarders must be held accountable for their role in undermining food security and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our farmers,” he stressed.
He said the PNP will collaborate with concerned government agencies for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in profiteering and the smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products, particularly rice.
“The PNP will work closely with (other) bodies and intensify operations to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of agricultural goods,” said Marbil.
“We urge the public to support these efforts as we join forces to achieve food security and protect the welfare of our farmers,” he said.
