NBI raids warehouse allegedly hoarding old imported rice

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan allegedly hoarding and reselling old, imported rice disguised as premium-grade grain.

A 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Tuesday showed heaps of imported rice, stored for at least two years, along with equipment used to mix varieties and add artificial fragrance to pass them off as high-quality rice.

“Pianghalo-halo nila yung variety ng bigas, tapos lalagyan ng konting pabango… pandan. Ipa-pass po nila as mamahaling bigas [or] Class-A na bigas," said NBI Chief Jaime Santiago.

"Niloloko ang ating mamamayan. Puro alikabok na, puro ano na yung sako… Makikita natin na hoarding. Clear manifestation ng hoarding. Napakadelikado niyan. Hindi natin alam kung safe pa kainin ng tao, o para sa baboy nalang,” 

(They mix different rice varieties, add pandan scent, and sell it as premium or Class-A rice. They are deceiving the public. The sacks are covered in dust—this is a clear case of hoarding. It’s dangerous; we don’t know if it’s still safe to eat or only fit for animal consumption.)

The NBI was also investigating whether the rice was obtained legally.

“Mayroon from Vietnam, may from Pakistan, may from India. So, basically, nung chineck namin kagabi yung kanilang makina, nandoon naka-mount yung iba’t-ibang variety ng bigas. Mini-mix nila ito, tapos yung result itong premium rice,” said NBI STF & CDD Chief Attorney Jeremy Lotoc.

(There’s rice from Vietnam, Pakistan, and India. When we checked their machines, we saw different varieties being mixed to produce so-called premium rice.)

Meanwhile, a company official denied any wrongdoing.

Santiago said they would coordinate with Bocaue local authorities to identify the warehouse owner and file charges for hoarding, adulteration, profiteering, false labeling, and economic sabotage. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News