The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently raided a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, where they suspect that old imported rice is being hoarded and repackaged to be sold as high-quality rice. The operation uncovered a large amount of imported rice, some of which had been stored for over two years. They also found equipment that appeared to be used for mixing different types of rice and adding artificial scents to make the rice seem premium.
NBI Chief Jaime Santiago mentioned that the operators of the warehouse allegedly mixed various rice types and added fragrances, like pandan, to make it look like it was top-quality rice. He expressed concern about misleading consumers and potential health issues, as the rice bags were in poor condition, raising questions about the safety of the rice for eating.
The investigation will also look into whether the imported rice was brought in legally. Attorney Jeremy Lotoc, Chief of the NBI’s Special Task Force and Criminal Detection Division, reported that rice from Vietnam, Pakistan, and India was found in the warehouse. He described how different types of rice were mixed using machines to create what was labeled as premium rice.
A representative from the company denied any illegal activities. However, Santiago stated that the NBI plans to work with local authorities in Bocaue to find out who owns the warehouse and may consider filing charges related to hoarding, mixing low-quality rice with better varieties, price gouging, false labeling, and economic sabotage.
This investigation is part of a larger effort by authorities to tackle rice hoarding and smuggling. Earlier, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) discovered warehouses filled with large amounts of rice that were suspected to be smuggled. For instance, in August 2023, the BOC sealed three warehouses in Bulacan, uncovering around 200,000 sacks of rice valued at roughly PHP500 million. The owners were given 15 days to provide proof that their rice storage practices were legal.
These actions support directives from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who has ordered the BOC to step up efforts against rice hoarding and illegal imports. The government is focused on ensuring that rice supplies are safe, legally sourced, and fairly distributed to protect consumers and maintain market stability.
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