By Benjamin Pulta

CHARGED. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives secure a van transporting four individuals charged in connection with a recent raid on a Bocaue, Bulacan facility as they were transported to the Department of Justice on Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2025). Charges of hoarding, adulteration, profiteering, untruthful labeling, as well as the non-bailable charge of economic sabotage have been filed against the four suspects. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Agriculture on Wednesday filed additional evidence against four individuals charged in connection with the raid on a warehouse in Bocaue Bulacan last Monday.

Charges of hoarding, adulteration, profiteering, untruthful labeling, as well as the non-bailable charge of economic sabotage have been filed against the warehouse manager, two cashiers and an inventory officer, whom the NBI did not name in the meantime.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago earlier said the raided warehouse was used to mix different types of local and imported rice, both old and new, repacking it into new sacks, and later selling it at a higher price.

Investigations showed that the different rice types are being mixed to produce the so-called premium rice by adding pandan scent.

Santiago said the warehouse has been under surveillance since December last year, and may be one of many involved in the rice repacking scheme and hoarding. (PNA)