NBI secures P35/kilo rice deal from millers, importers amid hoarding crackdown

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 against 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 only to members, millers, and importers of PRISM Bulacan," Santiago said in a radio interview.

The agreement was reached after rice millers sought an audience with Santiago, expressing concerns over the NBI's intensified crackdown on rice hoarders. "They were alarmed by our raids and feared being caught up in the operations despite being legitimate dealers," he explained.

To reassure them, Santiago promised that no raids would be conducted against legitimate dealers in Region 3, provided they voluntarily commit to selling rice at the agreed lower price. "They promised me that they will sell it at P35 per kilo, and in return, I assured them that no harassment would occur," he added.

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

He also reminded rice dealers that they must operate under wholesale pricing if they are engaged in wholesale transactions.

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