Cases to be filed soon vs. smugglers, hoarders - Bersamin

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Tuesday that cases would be filed soon against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products.

Bersamin’s statement came after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, warned smugglers and hoarders that their days were numbered.

"I think it will be very soon that cases will be filed against the real responsible for smuggling and food hoarding," Bersamin said in an interview, as cited by a press release issued by the Presidential Communications Office.

According to Bersamin, the government has already validated intelligence reports on the identity of the smugglers and hoarders.

He said some of those allegedly involved in smuggling and hoarding were already known even in previous administrations.

"Their names have already been mentioned in prior administrations as engaged in the smuggling of food products, and they are very, very hazardous to our economy and our health," Bersamin said.

Bersamin also mentioned Marcos’ order to the Department of Justice to form a task force against smuggling.

Marcos has said that smuggling and hoarding are the reasons behind the soaring prices of agricultural products. —VBL, GMA Integrated News