Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during his interview with UNTV’s Get it Straight with Daniel Razon
QUEZON CITY, Philippines –Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol has relieved from their positions the Region 3 director of the National Food Authority (NFA) and the agency’s manager in Bulacan.
This was after the Secretary discovered hundreds of thousands of rice bags inside big warehouses in their area during a surprise inspection in Marilao, Bulacan.
“Today, actually I have ordered the relief of the director in Region 3, NFA. And I have also ordered the relief of the manager of NFA Bulacan. Sapagkat ako, hindi ako naniniwala na hindi nila alam kung ang bodega diyan na may itinatagong bigas,” Piñol said during an interview with the program “Get it Straight with Daniel Razon” on Monday (September 24).
Based on its website, the agency’s regional director for Region 3 is Piolito C. Santos and the NFA’s manager for Bulacan is Elvira C. Obaña.
The DA has previously announced a P250,000 bounty for whoever who could provide information against rice hoarding in the country.
During the interview, Secretary Piñol also announced his plan to formalize the creation of a task force that will conduct a nationwide inspection of warehouses in the country.
The task force will be headed by the current head of DA’s Internal Affairs Division retired Marine Colonel Danilo Luna.
The team will be working with representatives from the DILG, PNP, and BOC among others.
According to Secretary Piñol, the move is part of DA’s intensified crackdown against rice hoarders.
Those who will be caught hoarding rice supply will have their stocks confiscated and are likely to face life imprisonment for charges of economic sabotage. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo
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