Nueva Ecija farmer deaths not tied to low palay prices — DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has refuted reports claiming that at least three farmers in Nueva Ecija took their own lives due to the declining price of palay. According to DA Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, initial investigations have found no direct link between the deaths and the fluctuating palay prices.

“In our own investigation, there were indeed deaths, but they were not caused by low palay prices. Some individuals took their own lives, which is why the DA requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a deeper probe. However, based on the preliminary report, these incidents are not related to palay prices,” De Mesa said in Filipino in an interview with DZRH on Wednesday.

He further explained that other factors, such as pre-existing health conditions, were involved in some of the cases. “Some of the individuals had medical conditions. We have launched an investigation to determine the exact reasons behind these tragedies,” he added.

The DA’s statements came after Magsasaka Party-list chairman Argel Joseph Cabatbat claimed in a 17 March DZRH interview that at least three farmers in Nueva Ecija had taken their own lives due to financial losses brought about by plummeting palay prices. He cited a significant drop in farmgate prices, stating that palay used to sell for P17 per kilo but had recently fallen to P15 and even P14 per kilo in some areas.

However, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. urged the public to respect the grieving families and avoid making premature conclusions.

DA taps NBI

In a letter sent to the NBI on Monday, Laurel called for a thorough investigation to verify these claims. He emphasized that official accounts from law enforcement, the DA’s own reports, and statements from the families of the deceased contradict social media allegations.

Meanwhile, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson maintained that the agency continues to buy clean and dry palay at P24 per kilo and fresh and wet palay at P18 per kilo.

He acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by farmers but assured them that the NFA is "closely monitoring the situation and considering adjustments in rice pricing to provide relief."