Isabela: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has confiscated unregistered cooking oil worth PHP1.3 million and arrested two Indian nationals in Isabela province.

According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz stated that the two foreigners - a woman identified as 'Kulvinder', 47, and her son 'Kamaljot,' 22 - were arrested in a buy-bust operation. This operation also led to the confiscation of 273 containers of cooking oil in Barangay Patul in Santiago City on June 26.

Authorities discovered that the cooking oil was not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that the suspects were conducting trade without a License to Operate. Macapaz noted that the operation was initiated following confirmed intelligence reports about illegal activities related to the selling of smuggled oil.

The intelligence reports further indicated that the cooking oil originated from Malaysia. The two suspects have been charged with violating Section 10 of the Republic Act 9711, known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

Macapaz emphasized the significance of the operation by stating, "With the confiscation of these unregistered cooking oil, we significantly prevented the health and safety risk that may cause our consumers." He also urged the public to report any criminal activities and illegal trade of consumer products to the CIDG, assuring that the CIDG will take necessary actions.