Marcos orders DOJ, NBI to investigate smuggling of onions, crops

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the smuggling of onions and other agricultural products.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo said in a Memorandum to the President that there was a substantial evidence pointing to the existence of an onion cartel which could be behind the surge in onion prices in 2022.

“I have just given instructions to the DOJ and the NBI to initiate an investigation into the hoarding, smuggling, [and] price fixing of agricultural commodities," Marcos said in a video message.

"And this is stemming from the hearing that we've conducted in the House, specifically by Congresswoman Stella Quimbo and the findings that they came up with," she added.

Quimbo said the cartel, which operates through a group of companies, was engaged in various activities in the supply chain such as farming, importation, local trading, warehousing, and logistics.

Marcos , who is also the secretary of agricultiure, stressed the importance of these findings as sufficient grounds to initiate a probe, citing the need to address what amounts to economic sabotage.

"And that is why we are going to be very, very strict about finding these people and making sure that they are brought to justice," Marcos said.

Anti-Agri Smuggling Task Force

The DOJ on Tuesday announced the creation of Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force, which will include the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture.

In a statement, the department would also form a special team of prosecutors "primarily focused on protecting the entire agricultural sector, not only the onion industry."

Among the members of this Task Force will be The Office of the Prosecutor General, headed by Chief State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon, and the National Bureau of Investigation, headed by Director Medardo De Lemos.

"Our team of investigators will be working to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze data to uncover the intricate web of onion smuggling networks," the DOJ said.

"The shared objective is clear: to dismantle these smuggling networks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," it added.

Case build-up ongoing

The DOJ said it was diligently conducting its case build up against individuals and organizations involved in onion smuggling.

"Once these cases are ready, the DOJ will file charges, ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law," the DOJ said.

The DOJ said its investigation encompasses violations of Republic Act No. 10845, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, among others.

It said RA 10845 specifically targeted the illegal importation of agricultural products, including onions, and imposes severe penalties on offenders.

Profiteering, hoarding

The DOJ is also  pursuing cases related to crimes of profiteering, hoarding, and smuggling, which are recognized as acts of economic sabotage.

"The DOJ is one with the President in its commitment to eradicating onion smuggling in the Philippines," the DOJ said.

"The Department is not only focused on investigation and prosecution but also on enhancing the regulatory framework and strengthening border controls to prevent future incidents," it added. —NB, GMA Integrated News