Talisay city: The Department of Justice's (DOJ) anti-agricultural smuggling arm has announced the seizure of 26,526 sacks of smuggled rice valued at PHP38 million from a warehouse in Talisay City, Cebu. This significant operation marks an important step in the fight against agricultural smuggling in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council conducted its first enforcement operation on June 20, following a directive from the Executive Committee. The committee issued a letter of authority instructing the enforcement group (EG) to inspect various warehouses in Kimba Compound suspected of housing smuggled agricultural products in violation of the AAES Law.

The EG, which includes the Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Maritime Group (MG), found that River Valley Distribution Inc. (RVDI) possessed 26,526 sacks of rice, totaling 863,345 kg. This operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to ensuring food security and enforcing the rule of law.

On July 8, the Court of Tax Appeals approved a seizure order for the goods, following a petition by the PNP-CIDG in collaboration with the DOJ's Special Team of Prosecutors (STP). This legal action underscores the government's determination to combat illegal smuggling activities.

AAES Council Chairperson Frederick Go emphasized the government's unwavering stance against economic saboteurs, stating, "The goods were inspected, examined and found to be illegal. 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."

The AAES was formed to address large-scale agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartels under Republic Act 12022, also known as the AAES Law. The council consists of the Office of the President's permanent representative and AAES Council Chairperson Go, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and the EG.

The DOJ's STP is set to file economic sabotage charges, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law, against those involved in the smuggling incident.