The Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed confidence that the filing of charges against individuals involved in the illegal sale of unregistered agricultural chemicals will serve as a strong deterrent to similar violations nationwide.
Following a police entrapment operation, the Las Piñas City Prosecutor recommended the indictment of James Malinao Halasan, Julievie Galleon Dumalagan, Prescillano Baloma, and Raina Mosong Canalita for breaching the Fertilizer and Pesticides Act. Authorities uncovered an estimated ₱3.5 million worth of unlicensed agricultural products stored in a warehouse, including government-procured Norinano fertilizers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed this development, saying that the crackdown supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s food security agenda by protecting farmers from harmful and substandard inputs.
“We welcome this decisive action… Illegal activities like these harm our farmers and agricultural productivity,” Laurel said in a statement.
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), which conducted the raid alongside law enforcement, said this underscores the government’s intensified efforts to stamp out illicit agricultural trade.
FPA executive director Glenn Estrada emphasized that illegal dealers not only violate regulatory laws but also endanger crop yields. “We cannot allow unscrupulous traders to shortchange our farmers,” he said.
The suspects allegedly posed as representatives of WLEX Co. Philippines Inc., operating without the required license. The city prosecutor found enough evidence to pursue charges related to the unlawful production, importation, and sale of regulated agricultural inputs.
