The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, said local authorities dismantled an illegal fertilizer manufacturing facility in Nueva Ecija.
The FPA joined law enforcers in conducting a raid, wherein they seized roughly 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizer, 21 granulator machines, and several delivery trucks worth around P900,000.
The agency said the operation was launched following the arrest of an alleged agent of an illegal fertilizer manufacturer, who provided information that led police to the warehouse.
According to FPA, authorities identified the warehouse owner as Daniel Delos Santos, proprietor of Don Fertilizer Manufacturing.
Investigators said Delos Santos failed to present the permits and licenses required to manufacture fertilizer, the agency added.
Verification by the FPA also showed the facility was operating without registration.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the joint operation shields farmers and consumers from the dangers posed by counterfeit farm inputs.
‘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,’ he said.
‘We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure only safe, effective, and properly registered agricultural inputs reach our farmers.’
For his part, FPA Director Glen Estrada said the agency is intensifying its campaign against 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.’
The confiscated fertilizer, equipment, and trucks are now under FPA custody pending documentation and disposition.
The agency said police are preparing criminal charges against Delos Santos for violating Presidential Decree 1144, to be filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Cabanatuan City.