17 slapped with criminal case over re-bagging of NFA rice
MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a criminal case against 17 individuals involved in the alleged re-bagging and sale of NFA rice in Marilao, Bulacan.
Facing a case for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, also known as The Price Act of 1992 before the Malolos, Bulacan Regional Trial Court are the following:
– Juancho E. San Luis
– Roel N. Bulalaque
– Jose M. Grimio
– Delfin C. Remogat
– Antonio L. Gonzales
– Ronnie O. Esplana
– Antero G. Saturno
– Wilson R. Agapito
– Wilcris R. Agapito
NFA workers unload tons of rice imported from Vietnam. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
– Cesar C. Bernardo
– Joseph B. Reyes
– Annisito P. Almenario,
– Ferdinand Sarto
– Paul G. James
– Maximo C. Macasinag
– Albert G. Javier,
– Efren G. Brusola
They are specifically charged with violation of Section 5 (2) for their “act of profiteering, that is by selling, or attempting to sell rice, a basic necessity at a price grossly in excess of its true worth.”
“Pertinently, the acts of the detained respondents show unity of action geared towards a common purpose, which is to re-bag the NFA rice to commercial sacks for sale at a higher price.
“Pointedly, the detained respondents have conspired with each other in committing violation of Sec 5 (2) of Republic Act No. 7581,” the resolution stated.
A P30,000 bail for each of the accused has been recommended for their temporary liberty.
The case stemmed from a raid conducted by elements of the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT).
The informant bared that the alleged re-bagging was taking place in Jomarro Star Ricemill in Barangay (village) Abangan Norte, Marilao.
The re-bagged rice were allegedly sold bearing various brands at more or less P43/kilo, as found by a CIDT poseur buyer deployed to the site on July 3.
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