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Advocates Philippines
AAES Council Seizes P38M Worth Of Smuggled Rice In Landmark Operation In Cebu
Photo credit: PIA
In a decisive first step against agricultural smuggling, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council successfully confiscated over 26,000 sacks of smuggled rice valued at ₱38 million during a raid on a warehouse in Talisay City, Cebu, on Wednesday, July 9.
The operation was carried out under Republic Act No. 12022, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Act, which strengthened the government’s campaign against smuggling, hoarding, and cartel activities in the agricultural sector.
Authorities discovered unaccounted rice stocks stored at the facility, prompting the inspection and eventual seizure.
Leading the effort was AAES Council Chairperson and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick Go, who lauded the success of the Council’s very first enforcement action since its creation earlier this year.
“This marks an important milestone in our fight to protect Filipino farmers and ensure fair prices for consumers,” Go said, underscoring the Marcos administration’s resolve to dismantle illegal operations that undermine the country’s agricultural economy.
The AAES Council was established through R.A. 12022, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as part of the administration’s broader push to curb economic sabotage in agriculture — particularly rampant smuggling and hoarding that distort supply and hurt both producers and consumers.
Authorities assured the public that investigations will continue to identify and hold accountable those behind the illegal rice stocks in Talisay. More enforcement activities are expected as the Council ramps up its efforts to clean up the country’s agricultural supply chains.
“This is just the beginning,” Go added. “We are committed to pursuing more operations like this to send a strong message that agricultural smuggling will not be tolerated.”
The operation was carried out under Republic Act No. 12022, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Act, which strengthened the government’s campaign against smuggling, hoarding, and cartel activities in the agricultural sector.
Authorities discovered unaccounted rice stocks stored at the facility, prompting the inspection and eventual seizure.
Leading the effort was AAES Council Chairperson and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick Go, who lauded the success of the Council’s very first enforcement action since its creation earlier this year.
“This marks an important milestone in our fight to protect Filipino farmers and ensure fair prices for consumers,” Go said, underscoring the Marcos administration’s resolve to dismantle illegal operations that undermine the country’s agricultural economy.
The AAES Council was established through R.A. 12022, signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as part of the administration’s broader push to curb economic sabotage in agriculture — particularly rampant smuggling and hoarding that distort supply and hurt both producers and consumers.
Authorities assured the public that investigations will continue to identify and hold accountable those behind the illegal rice stocks in Talisay. More enforcement activities are expected as the Council ramps up its efforts to clean up the country’s agricultural supply chains.
“This is just the beginning,” Go added. “We are committed to pursuing more operations like this to send a strong message that agricultural smuggling will not be tolerated.”
Jul 9, 2025
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