A joint inspection led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Port of Manila (POM), Legal Service, Philippine Coast Guard and Brgy. Officials, was conducted in two warehouses—one in Pulang Lupa, Las Pinas, and another in Bacoor, Cavite—on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Prior to this inspection, an extensive investigation, surveillance, and test purchases were carried out.

The warehouses were verified storing/warehousing rice products from Vietnam, Thailand, and China, with an estimated value of Php40 million. During the investigation, it was discovered that the trader was selling a 25-kilo sack of Vietnamese Rice for Php1,320.00 in the market, equivalent to Php52.8 per kilo. This price significantly exceeded the Department of Agriculture’s prescribed range of Php41-45 per kilo for well-milled and regular-milled rice.

The warehouse owner claimed that they were not importers but rather rice traders. In response, Customs operatives requested the owner to provide proofs of payment of correct duties and taxes from their supplier or importer.

Authorities granted the owner a 15-day period to submit the necessary documentation to validate the legality of the importation of the subject sacks of rice and payment of correct duties and taxes due thereon.

This operation was carried out in line with President Ferdinand Marcos’s directive to intensify efforts against rice smuggling, hoarding and illicit trading in the country, aimed at ensuring affordable staple food for Filipinos amidst rising rice prices.#