Authorities seized 26,000 sacks of suspected smuggled rice stored in a warehouse along Rabaya Street in Barangay San Roque, Talisay City, Cebu on Wednesday afternoon, July 9.
The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council confirmed that the rice came from Vietnam and Pakistan. In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Council Chairman Frederick Go said the inspection revealed that the rice stocks were allegedly stored without proper permits.
Police Major Marlo Gabato, Maritime Chief Legal, said they applied for a Letter of Authority on June 19, which was immediately approved. The next day, June 20, authorities inspected the warehouse and gave the owner 24 hours to present necessary documents.
However, documents were submitted only for 6,000 sacks of rice. This prompted officials to file for a Confirmatory Search Warrant. Once granted, a full inventory was conducted, revealing that 26,000 sacks were actually stored in the warehouse.
On July 8, a seizure order was approved, and authorities formally confiscated the rice the following day.
Based on the June 20 Daily Price Index of ₱44.19 per kilogram, the estimated market value of the seized rice is about ₱38 million.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the legality of the importation and the accountability of the warehouse owner.
