THE Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council said 20,526 sacks of smuggled rice valued at P38 million have been apprehended in Talisay City, Cebu.
The council said its enforcement group had inspected warehouses at a site known as the Kimba compound on suspicion of containing smuggled agricultural products in violation of the AAES Law.
On June 20, the group discovered that the area occupied by River Valley Distribution, Inc. (RVDI) contained substantial stocks of rice.
“The RVDI failed to account for about 20,526 sacks weighing approximately 863,345 kilos with an estimated value of P38 million,” the council said in a statement on Wednesday.
As such, the Court of Tax Appeals issued a seizure order on July 8.
“The goods were inspected, examined, and found to be illegal,” according to the AAES Council Chairman, Secretary Frederick D. Go.
“This decisive action sends a strong and clear message to economic saboteurs: the government stands united and shall be relentless in its efforts against such illegal activities,” according to Mr. Go, who is also a senior presidential economic adviser.
According to the council, the Department of Justice’s Special Team of Prosecutors is planning to file economic sabotage charges in connection with the Cebu operation.
“This operation underscores President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s strong commitment to safeguarding food security and upholding the rule of law,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile