Alleged illegal fertilizer plant in Nueva Ecija busted

Authorities raided an alleged illegal fertilizer plant in Rizal, Nueva Ecija on July 15, the Department of Agriculture-Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (DA-FPA) said Sunday.

During the raid at the facility in Barangay Sta. Monica, law enforcers confiscated about 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizer.

They also seized 21 granulator machines and delivery trucks worth an estimated P900,000.

The joint police operation was conducted after an alleged agent of the said manufacturer was arrested. The said agent told authorities about the clandestine warehouse.

The operation was done by personnel from the Rizal and Talavera municipal police stations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, Regional Special Operations Group 3, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office and the FPA.

The FPA said the facility was not registered, while investigators added that the owner was not able to present permits and licenses needed to manufacture fertilizer.

"Illegal fertilizers rob farmers of their hard-earned income by reducing yields, undermine our food security, and pose potential risks to public health and the environment. We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure only safe, effective and properly registered agricultural inputs reach our farmers," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

The FPA meanwhile said it would intensify its campaign vs. unscrupulous manufacturers and traders.

"We will relentlessly pursue illicit manufacturers and traders of unregistered and illegally manufactured fertilizers and pesticides. These illegal products hurt farm productivity, and essentially robs our farmers of their limited funds," FPA Director Glen Estrada said.

The confiscated items, equipment and trucks were placed under the custody of the FPA pending documentation and disposition.

Meanwhile, police are readying charges to be filed before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Cabanatuan City against the owner of the fertilizer plant for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1144. —KG, GMA News