In a joint entrapment operation, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Aritao Municipal Police arrested three individuals in Nueva Vizcaya for selling unregistered fertilizers and agricultural growth hormones.
The operation, conducted recently in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, followed reports of illegal sales of agricultural products not authorized by the FPA. Authorities seized an estimated P475,000 worth of unregistered fertilizers and growth enhancers during the sting.
Arrested were Jemuel, 34; Aiza, 36; and Fernando, 45—all residents of Guimba, Nueva Ecija. The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights at the time of their arrest.
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada emphasized the importance of the operation.
“The products seized by police operatives are not registered with the FPA and therefore not authorized for distribution.”
“The products seized by police operatives are not registered with the FPA and therefore not authorized for distribution. The operation was documented using two alternative recording devices and witnessed by two barangay officials,” Estrada said.
Among the confiscated items were 40 bottles of 250-milliliter Morbunga vitamin fertilizer, 80 bottles of 250-milliliter Kill, 24 bottles of 500-milliliter Berde Super Growth Hormones, and 80 bottles of 250-milliliter Long Death.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. praised the enforcement effort and underscored the threat posed by such unregulated products.
“These unregistered agricultural products undermine our efforts to enhance farm productivity and could pose risks to crops, the environment, and public health,” Tiu Laurel said.
“The FPA crackdown on the sale of illegal fertilizers and pesticides supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve farm yields and increase farmers’ incomes.”
The agriculture chief added that the FPA crackdown on the sale of illegal fertilizers and pesticides supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve farm yields and increase farmers’ incomes.
The operation was led by PCpl Elmer Dona-al, who served as the investigating officer, with PSsg Glenn Migano acting as the arresting officer and poseur buyer.
