As Filipino consumers "cry" over the skyrocketing price of onions, P255,000 worth of the vegetable, a household staple, were confiscated in public markets in Manila, Pasig, and Quezon City, the Department of Agriculture announced on 24 November.

The DA said a composite team — composed of representatives from Wide Field Inspectorate Bureau of Plant Industry, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group — seized 105 sacks of smuggled yellow onions with a total weight of 744 kilos.

Agriculture Asec. James Layug said the operation is part of combined efforts of government agencies to protect local traders and consumers from the illegal entry of agricultural produce.

"We will continue to work with other government agencies to protect the livelihood of our farmers and fishers," he said.

The DA previously hinted the likelihood of importing about 7,000 metric tons of red onions to stabilize the cost of the commodity.

Onion planting season starts in October and ends in December. Harvest season is from February till March.