Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Authorities seized approximately Php6.6 million worth of illegal and expired food products in two separate operations in Central Luzon, resulting in the arrest of two individuals in Bulacan and Tarlac, police reported.

The operations were carried out through coordinated efforts of law enforcement units under the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in partnership with regulatory agencies to protect public health and ensure consumer safety.

In the first operation conducted on March 25, 2026, around 3:40 p.m., joint operatives from the Regional Intelligence Division–Regional Special Operations Group 3, together with the Food and Drug Administration Regional Field Office 3, the Business Permit and Licensing Office of Marilao, Bulacan, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Provincial Field Unit Bulacan, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, and the Marilao Municipal Police Station conducted an inspection at a warehouse in Barangay Patubig.

During the inspection, authorities arrested a 22-year-old Chinese national who was serving as the warehouse manager for alleged violations of the Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, in relation to the Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act, as well as other local regulations.

Authorities discovered large volumes of imported food items—including cured meats, cooking oils, sauces, bamboo shoots, noodles, and syrup products—without proper documentation on delivery, procurement, and regulatory compliance. The seized goods were estimated to be worth Php5 million.

In a separate operation on March 24, 2026, around 5:00 p.m., joint operatives from RID-RSOG3, the FDA Regional Field Office 3, CIDG Provincial Field Unit Tarlac, RMFB3, and the Bamban Municipal Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac.

The operation led to the arrest of a 64-year-old barangay councilor for allegedly selling expired food products in violation of the Consumer Act and the Republic Act No. 9711, also known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

Recovered during the operation were nearly 19,800 pieces of expired assorted noodles, along with various snack items and other consumer goods with an estimated value of Php1.6 million.

All arrested individuals and confiscated items are now under the custody of authorities for proper documentation and legal disposition, while appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspects.

PRO3 Regional Director Jess B. Mendez emphasized the importance of sustained operations against illegal goods that pose risks to public health.

“Hindi natin papayagan na malagay sa panganib ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan dahil sa pagbebenta ng mga iligal at expired na produkto. These operations reflect our firm commitment to enforce consumer protection laws and hold violators accountable,” Mendez said.

He added that the operations support the law enforcement priorities of the Philippine National Police, particularly in addressing economic and public safety threats through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations. (Jason de Asis)

📸 Php6.6M Worth of Illegal, Expired Food Products Seized in Central Luzon | Authorities from Police Regional Office 3 seized approximately Php6.6 million worth of illegal and expired food products in separate operations in Marilao, Bulacan and Bamban, Tarlac, resulting in the arrest of two individuals. The operations, conducted in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, targeted the sale and distribution of unsafe and undocumented food products that pose risks to public health. According to PRO3 Regional Director Jess B. Mendez, the intensified operations demonstrate the police force’s commitment to enforcing consumer protection laws and safeguarding the welfare of the public. (Jason de Asis)