DOJ ORDERS PROBE OF RICE-HOARDING IN TWO PROVINCES

The Department of Justice has ordered the NBI to investigate incidents of rice-hoarding of NFA rice stocked in warehouses in Cebu and Bulacan .

Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez directed the NBI to immediate look into and summon all the persons who may be involved and, if warranted, conduct proper investigation proceedings preparatory to the filing of appropriate charges in court.

The order came out after news reports that the NFA suspended the rice allocations of 21 accredited retailers in Cebu found to have committed violations in the distribution and sale of government rice, including overpricing, unreasonable depletion of stocks, non-display and refusal to sell stocks to consumers.

It was also reported that following the raid conducted by joint elements of NFA, NBI and the PASG of the Inter-City Industrial Estate at Bocaue- Bulacan, the area that supplies 65% of the country’s demand, showed thousands and thousands sacks of rice were stored at the said area.

The NBI has been directed to report, within five (5) days, on the action taken thereon.