Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla is questioning why there are groups called cartels that are illegally bringing agricultural products into the country.
These cartels are suspected of controlling the industry by managing the supply and storage of these products.
Remulla is wondering if those who are given permission to import these products are also involved in smuggling and hoarding.
The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture will have to explain why these cartels exist and how they operate.
So far, the Bureau of Customs has been cooperating with the investigation, and the Department of Justice expects this cooperation to continue for the next 60 days as they look into the matter.
They are still gathering information and checking the activities of the suspected parties involved.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked the Department of Justice to form a task force to investigate these agricultural smugglers and cartels.
This decision comes after allegations of illegal hoarding, smuggling, and price fixing of agricultural products have been raised and reported.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 28, 2023
