Sanchez mira: The municipal government of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan padlocked a farm supply shop in Centro 1 for allegedly selling grains meant to be given by the government to beneficiaries for free. The local government said Friday that its Securities and Enforcement Division, in coordination with the Business Processing and Licensing Division and with assistance from the Philippine National Police, served the notice of suspension to the shop, which is in effect until Oct. 15.
According to Philippines News Agency, the temporary closure was ordered pending the outcome of an investigation into the reported unauthorized sale of government-marked agricultural commodities. In a report of the Securities and Enforcement Division, a concerned citizen purchased inbred rice seeds from Derima Farm Supply and later noticed that the rice seeds were packed in blue sacks bearing the Department of Agriculture (DA) logo and a 'Not for Sale' marking.
This was reported to Sanchez Mira Mayor Abraham Bagasin, who immediately instructed the concerned offices to verify the reported information. "During the inspection, the team discovered some 47 sacks of untagged inbred rice seeds, each weighing 40 kilos packed in blue sacks printed with the DA logo and 'Not for Sale' marking," the report said.
Authorities said the products were intended for government programs and were not authorized for commercial distribution. The owner of Derima Farm Supply said a total of 60 of the inbred rice seeds had been delivered by a supplier to the establishment, allegedly from nearby Luna, Apayao. However, during the joint inspection, only 47 sacks remained at the premises.
The DA reiterated that commodities bearing the "Not for Sale" label are intended solely for qualified beneficiaries under government assistance programs. The unauthorized sale or distribution of such items may result in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings, depending on the findings of the investigation.
The farm supply establishment will remain temporarily closed while the investigation is ongoing. Authorities said due process will be observed, and any enforcement action will be based on the evidence gathered during the investigation. The public is urged to report any suspected unauthorized sale of government-distributed agricultural inputs to the appropriate authorities.
