Some P40-million worth of imported rice were found by government operatives in a raid in separate warehouses in Pulang Lupa, Las Pinas, and in Bacoor, Cavite last Thursday, September 14.
Recently, some P42-million worth or 42,180 sacks of Alas Jasmine Fragrant Rice, was also discovered in a warehouse located in San Jose Guzu in Zamboanga City. The owner failed to submit proper documents upon raid.
The Bureau of Customs-Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), led the inspection, together with operatives from the Port of Manila (POM)-Legal Service, Philippine Coast Guard, and barangay officials. Prior to this, an extensive investigation, surveillance, and test purchases were carried out.
The warehouses were verified storing rice products from Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
It was also discovered that the trader was selling a 25-kilo sack of Vietnamese Rice for P1,320 in the market, equivalent to P52.8 per kilo which significantly exceeded the Department of Agriculture's prescribed range of P41-45 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.
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