Gov't seizes 9,000 bags kept in CDO warehouse

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Food Authority (NFA) has cancelled the grains trading licenses of two Iligan City traders who were caught hoarding rice two months ago by a Joint Task Group against rice hoarding formed by President Rody Duterte.NFA Regional Director for Northern Mindanao Diane Silva said Government agents also confiscated the rice stocks estimated over 19,000 bags.Two cargo trucks found in the warehouses of the two traders were also confiscated.Silva said the traders were also fined and banned from engaging in grains trading in perpetuity.The confiscated rice will be sold by the NFA to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the stocks with the proceeds placed in escrow in case the traders appeal their case.When I visited the warehouse where the confiscated stocks are kept, I congratulated the Joint Task Group which conducted the raid and recommended the promotion of acting NFA Manager Sam Dimaporo to full-fledged manager.Letters of commendation will also be sent to the other members of the Task Group which conducted the raid.