The Philippine National Police (PNP) will actively support the implementation of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, in efforts to curb smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering of agricultural products, particularly rice, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil announced on Wednesday.

The recent signing of this landmark law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is a decisive move to safeguard food security and protect Filipino consumers from skyrocketing rice prices caused by illegal activities.

Gen. Marbil reiterated the PNP’s commitment to collaborating with implementing agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for economic sabotage.

“The PNP is fully prepared to support the implementation of this law to protect our farmers and ensure that rice remains affordable for every Filipino household,” Gen. Marbil stated. “Smugglers and hoarders must be held accountable for their role in undermining food security and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our farmers.”

With strong law enforcement and comprehensive government measures, RA No. 12022 aims to lower rice prices, protect Filipino farmers, and ensure consistent access to affordable food, the PNP Chief emphasized.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero commended the new law as a significant step toward providing affordable food and supporting local farmers. He noted that the law would help more Filipinos access affordable, nutritious food by targeting those who have long disrupted efforts to achieve food security.

The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a priority initiative of the Marcos administration, designates smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartels, and financing such activities as economic sabotage, with penalties of life imprisonment and fines three times the value of the confiscated agricultural products. Those involved in the transportation or storage of illegal goods face imprisonment of 20 to 30 years and fines twice the product’s value.

The law also mandates the creation of a Daily Price Index to monitor market irregularities and detect economic sabotage. It further establishes the Anti-Agricultural Economic Council and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group to streamline enforcement efforts.

“The PNP will work closely with these bodies and intensify operations to dismantle networks involved in the illegal trade of agricultural goods. We urge the public to support these efforts as we join forces to achieve food security and protect the welfare of our farmers”