DA forms team to go after agricultural smugglers

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has formed a team tasked to go after smuggled agriculture products with the appointment of a new officer-in-charge (OIC).

Tiu Laurel appointed Carlos Carag as OIC of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement.

“(Carag will) conduct intelligence operations on alleged/ reported illegal activities and violations on regulatory policies and agricultural anti-smuggling law that negatively impact on the national economy,” Tiu Laurel said in his special order.

Tiu Laurel added that Carag will lead the coordination with the Bureau of Customs in curbing agricultural smuggling.

“(He will) represent the DA in the inter -agency committees, task force, and other groups, bodies related to agricultural smuggling and perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as directed by the Secretary,” Tiu Laurel added.

According to Tiu Laurel, Carag should lead the document tracking and monitoring of locally produced and imported commodities to deter profiteering and price manipulation.

At the same time, Tiu Laurel also authorized Carag to initiate investigation on allegations of unethical or illicit activities of DA officials and employees, including possible graft, corruption, misuse of office’ s equipment and resources for personal use, private enterprise, and the existence of ghost employees.

He also directed Carag to perform inventory of supplies in coordination with the appropriate divisions of the DA.

At the same time, Tiu Laurel also tasked Carag to monitor the programs and projects of the DA.

“All officials and employees of the department, including its bureaus, attached agencies and corporations, and DA-regional field offices are hereby advised of this designation and directed to give their full support and cooperation to OIC Carag in the performance of his duties and responsibilities,” he said.