QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --A composite team from Department of Agriculture (DA), through the DA-Wide Field Inspectorate (DA-WFI) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on November 18, seized a total of 105 sacks of smuggled yellow onions from Divisoria, Mutya ng Pasig and Balintawak public markets. 

According to the DA, the intercepted commodities, with total weight of 744 kilos, is valued at P225,000.

In a statement, Assistant Secretary James Layug, who heads the DA-WFI, the operation is part of the combined efforts of different government agencies to protect local traders and consumers from the illegal entry of agricultural produce, and safeguard the food safety. 

He added that the Department will strengthen efforts to carry out its mandate in ensuring that the country’s food supply is safe while promoting fair trade.

“We will continue to work with other agencies of the government to protect the livelihood of our farmers and fishers,” he said.

The seized onions were confiscated by the BPI using proper condemnation and disposal procedures. (da/pia-ncr)