File photo shows sacks of imported onions seized by the police in a warehouse in February this year. this year. (Photo from the PNP-CIDG)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said that it is putting together a case of economic sabotage against certain traders involved in the smuggling of onions.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla made the announcement days after the DOJ formed a task force against smugglers of agricultural products on Tuesday.
Remulla said the DOJ has its own studies on the alleged smuggling of onions, as well as an investigation being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“We are looking at the minutes now on the Congressional hearings [on onion smuggling] and of course we will look at our own notes to be able to put together a good case of economic sabotage against those who insist on creating a cartel within the country which is definitely against the law,” said Remulla in a press briefing.
Remulla said they are looking into six or seven names involved in onion smuggling. When asked if these were the same personalities involved in the recent House hearings, Remulla replied in the affirmative.
“May malaking galamay itong group na ito kaya kino-control talaga nila ‘yung supply at ang kasama ang mga cold storage facilities, mga bodega,” said Remulla.
(This group has far-reaching tentacles, so they really control the supply, including the cold storage facilities and warehouses.)
“There are six or seven names that come out whenever we look at the picture, so we have a very good idea. We have to catch them in the act,” he added.
One of the seven traders who had so far been named during the congressional hearings was Lilia Cruz, identified as the operator of the biggest onion cartel in the country.
Meanwhile, back in 2022, Senator Raffy Tulfo identified three other traders apart from Cruz linked to the smuggling of agricultural products. — with reports from Bea Delariarte, INQUIRER.net trainee