Gov't steps up drive vs agri smuggling

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthening efforts to investigate and prosecute those behind activities that threaten farmers' livelihoods, food security, and consumer welfare.

The agreement, signed by Justice Secretary Atty. Fredderick Vida, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, establishes a stronger framework for coordination in enforcing Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla was also present during the signing and delivered a message of support for the partnership.

Agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartelization undermine legitimate businesses, disadvantage local farmers and fisherfolk, and disrupt the country's food supply chain. Through the partnership, the three agencies aim to ensure that violations are met with stronger investigations, solid case build-up, and effective prosecution.

Under the agreement, the DOJ, BOC, and NBI will work more closely in information and intelligence sharing, criminal investigation support, case build-up, evidence evaluation, referral, preliminary investigation, prosecution, and enforcement coordination in accordance with their respective mandates and existing laws, rules, and regulations.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) will also be established to develop and implement coordination guidelines, referral mechanisms, information-sharing protocols, and other necessary measures to ensure the effective and sustained implementation of the partnership.

Nepomuceno said the partnership will strengthen the government's fight against agricultural smuggling by bringing together the enforcement, investigative, and legal expertise of the BOC, NBI, and DOJ.

The BOC continues to intensify border protection and enforcement efforts against the illegal entry of agricultural products. To date, the Bureau has endorsed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for appropriate action 15 complaints involving 20 respondents for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. In addition, since 2025, the BOC has filed 30 agriculture-related cases under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) involving 127 respondents.

The tripartite agreement underscores the government's whole-of-government approach against agricultural economic sabotage, ensuring that enforcement actions are backed by thorough investigations and effective prosecution to protect livelihoods, strengthen food security, and uphold consumer welfare.