By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has confiscated recycled, unregistered and adulterated cooking oil worth PHP3.5 million and arrested three persons in Isabela province.
In a belated news release Monday night, the CIDG identified the three suspects as Bonaleth, owner and manager of NB Cooking Oil Trading; Catherine, cashier; and John, a delivery worker.
CIDG agents caught the three suspects selling, manufacturing, distributing and offering for sale recycled, unlabeled, unregistered and adulterated cooking oil products in Baranga Buenavista, Santiago City on Feb. 26.
Authorities seized 173 gallons of cooking oil, mounted storage, digital weighing scale, funnel, one closed van, and one 10-wheeler tanker truck marked “NB Cooking Oil.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) North Luzon Cluster padlocked and sealed the warehouse due to non-compliance with laws and regulations.
The arrested suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service for violations of Section 11(K) of Republic Act 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) for selling unregistered or misbranded health products; RA 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) for false labeling and unsafe goods; and RA 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013) for violating food safety standards and selling adulterated or misbranded products.
CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the government must protect and promote the right to health of the people.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is relentless in enforcing the laws to protect consumers. The sale of unregistered, misbranded or unsafe food products poses serious health risks and violates regulations,” Torre said.
“We urge the public to be vigilant by checking labels, FDA registration, and safety compliance. Just report all criminalities and illegal trade practices in your localities and your CIDG will do the rest.” (PNA)
