Government tightens lid on Agricultural smuggling

Rules of engagement OK’d

MANILA, Philippines — The government, through the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council, is ramping up its campaign against major smugglers as it adopted enforcement rules to protect farmers, fisherfolk and consumers.

In a statement yesterday, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) said the AAES Council approved enforcement guidelines during its second meeting held on May 28, as it aims to dismantle major syndicates that manipulate markets and push up prices.

The OSAPIEA said the approved rules of engagement or protocols presented by the Department of Justice (DOJ) provide a structured framework for coordinated action against major market saboteurs.

“Protecting consumers entails going after the root of the problem – large-scale economic saboteurs who distort our agricultural and fisheries markets,” said Secretary Frederick Go, who also serves as President Marcos’ permanent representative to the AAES Council.

The AAES Council was created under Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, signed into law in September last year, which aims to impose stiffer penalties for crimes related to agricultural economic sabotage such as smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel activities.

With the law now in effect and the enforcement mechanisms operational, Go said the AAES Council is prepared to pursue offenders aggressively to keep food prices stable and enable Filipinos to have a better quality of life.

During the meeting, the Enforcement Group composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Finance (DOF) was authorized to carry out its mandate, following the approval of the rules of engagement.

This includes identifying and pursuing smuggling and profiteering networks.

The council also confirmed that a special team of prosecutors designated by the DOJ is ready to fast-track the filing and resolution of cases under the AAES Act.

In addition, the council established guidelines for declaring an “abnormal situation,” which would call for an immediate response to address market disruptions triggered by economic sabotage or other supply chain issues.

The council also directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continue strengthening and maintaining the Daily Price Index (DPI), which is used for tracking prices and promoting market transparency.

To prevent price manipulation, the DPI will go through regular audits and be disseminated to the public.

Relevant agencies were directed to advance the full implementation of the National Single Window and ensure there are storage facilities for goods that will be seized to ensure proper handling and disposition.

Aside from the DA, DOF and DOJ, also part of the AAES Council are the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry and Transportation as well as the Philippine Competition Commission and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.