Department of Agriculture Cracks Down on Onion Smuggling
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA), led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., is intensifying efforts to stop onion smuggling. Laurel warned that while authorities aim to catch the “big fish,” everyone involved in the supply chain—including brokers, truck drivers, and retailers—may be held liable. This crackdown reflects the DA’s commitment to protecting Filipino farmers and ensuring fair trade practices.
The DA is collaborating closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to clamp down on illegal trading activities. This partnership aims to identify and dismantle smuggling operations that hurt local farmers and distort market prices.
New Law Strengthens Fight Against Smuggling
In 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved Republic Act 12022, known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. This law enforces stricter penalties against smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel behaviors involving agricultural and fishery products. It empowers authorities to respond more decisively to these violations.
“It’s the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to stop smuggling—that’s why we now have this law,” Secretary Laurel emphasized during a visit to Paco Market in Manila. Local leaders noted that the new regulations are vital for restoring fairness in the agricultural sector.
Tracing and Testing Smuggled Onions
Authorities have noticed imported red onions—often larger and cleaner than local varieties—appearing in markets without proper import permits. Laurel urged vendors to help trace the origins of these goods to prevent further illegal trade.
“I’m very concerned,” he said. “This should be a time of recovery for farmers, but their income is being undermined.”
The DA, in coordination with the PNP, plans to conduct warehouse inspections and raids targeting smuggled onions. Seized products will undergo laboratory tests to assess health risks, especially since previous checks found contaminants like E. coli and heavy metals in smuggled white onions.
Significant Seizures and Training Initiatives
According to the agriculture department, about P2.8 billion worth of smuggled agricultural products were confiscated in 2024. This highlights the scale of the problem and the importance of ongoing enforcement actions.
To improve detection efforts, the DA is also training police officers to distinguish between locally produced and imported agricultural goods. This initiative will enhance the effectiveness of anti-smuggling operations.
The department’s firm stance reflects a broader commitment to safeguard Filipino farmers and ensure market integrity. Stakeholders remain hopeful that these measures will lead to a more stable and fair agricultural economy.
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