Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), vowed on Wednesday, Dec. 18, to intensify the campaign against agricultural smuggling and hoarding, particularly rice.

Marbil said the continuous efforts to run after smugglers, hoarders and profiteers of agricultural products is part of the national government’s efforts to safeguard food security and protect Filipino consumers from skyrocketing rice prices caused by illegal activities.

"The PNP is fully prepared to support the implementation of this law to protect our farmers and ensure that rice remains affordable for every Filipino household. Smugglers and hoarders must be held accountable for their role in undermining food security and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.

“With strong law enforcement and comprehensive government measures, the existing law aims to lower rice prices, protect Filipino farmers, and ensure consistent access to affordable food,” said Marbil, referring to the Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a priority initiative of the Marcos administration, designates smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartels, and financing such activities as economic sabotage, with penalties of life imprisonment and fines three times the value of the confiscated agricultural products.

Those involved in the transportation or storage of illegal goods face imprisonment of 20 to 30 years and fines twice the product's value.

The law also mandates the creation of a Daily Price Index to monitor market irregularities and detect economic sabotage. It further establishes the Anti-Agricultural Economic Council and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group to streamline enforcement efforts.

"The PNP will work closely with these bodies and intensify operations to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of agricultural goods. We urge the public to support these efforts as we join forces to achieve food security and protect the welfare of our farmers," said Marbil.