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.

RELATED STORIES

Mixing of animal feeds with premium rice bared

Millers to gov’t: Stop blaming us for rice supply, price mess