The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has secured a commitment from legitimate rice millers and importers in Bulacan to sell rice at P35 per kilo, following a series of raids targeting hoarders.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said Sunday that the pledge came from members of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“This price is exclusive to members, millers and importers of PRISM Bulacan,” Santiago said in a radio interview.

The agreement was reached after rice millers requested a meeting with Santiago, expressing concerns over the NBI’s intensified crackdown on hoarding.

“They were alarmed by our raids and feared being caught up in the operations despite being legitimate dealers,” he said.

To address their concerns, Santiago assured them that no raids would be conducted against legitimate dealers in Region 3, provided they voluntarily commit to selling rice at the agreed-upon price.

“They promised me that they would sell it at P35 per kilo, and in return, I assured them that no harassment would occur,” he added, hinting of a carrot-and-stick approach to the issue.

Santiago emphasized that all future NBI operations against rice hoarders would require strong evidence and his direct approval, stressing that he will not authorize any raid “unless the evidence is solid.”

Council formed

He also reminded rice dealers engaged in wholesale transactions that they must adhere to wholesale pricing regulations.

As for price monitoring, Santiago said the responsibility falls on the Department of Agriculture.

The NBI chief said they are also strengthening its efforts against agricultural smuggling, particularly in the rice industry, by forming a council to oversee cases of illegal activity.

“Under our new law on agri-smuggling, we will consider them as economic saboteurs. A council is currently being formed, and we are fast-tracking its creation so that our operations against agri-smugglers can continue smoothly,” Santiago said.

The council, which will be facilitated by the Court of Tax Appeals, aims to ensure thorough and effective operations against agricultural smugglers.

Santiago confirmed that multiple agencies with a vested interest in agriculture will be involved in the council, ensuring coordinated efforts to combat illegal activities in the sector.

“Many big-time smugglers have already been arrested, and cases had been filed against them in court,” he said.

On 11 February, the NBI Special Task Force raided a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, for allegedly blending various rice varieties and selling them online at high prices.