By the AAES Council
The first enforcement operation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council resulted in the apprehension of 26,526 sacks of smuggled rice with an estimated value of P38 million stored in a warehouse in Talisay City, Cebu.
On June 19, 2025, the Executive Committee, composed of the Office of the President’s (OP) permanent representative and AAES Council Chairperson Frederick Go, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and the Enforcement Group (EG), issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) directing the EG to inspect the different warehouses in Kimba Compound for allegedly containing smuggled agricultural products in violation of the AAES Law.
The EG was led by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), and the Maritime Group (MG).
On June 20, 2025, by virtue of said LOA, the EG inspected the Kimba warehouses for possible violation of AAES Law, and discovered that the area occupied by River Valley Distribution Inc. (RVDI) contained substantial rice stocks. The RVDI failed to account for about 20,526 sacks, weighing approximately 863,345 kilos, with an estimated value of P38 million.
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) granted a seizure order against the goods on Tuesday, July 8, following a petition filed by the PNP-CIDG, in coordination with the Special Team of Prosecutors (STP) of the DOJ.
AAES Council Chairperson Frederick Go, who is also the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) said, “The goods were inspected, examined, and found to be illegal. This decisive action sends a strong and clear message to economic saboteurs: The government stands united and shall be relentless in its efforts against such illegal activities.”
The DOJ’s STP plans to file economic sabotage charges, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law, against those responsible.
The AAES Council was established to combat large-scale agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel. It was constituted pursuant to Republic Act No. 12022, also known as the AAES Law.
This operation underscores President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong commitment to safeguarding food security and upholding the rule of law. (PR)
