P10 million hot meat seized in Malabon, Valenzuela

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized 24 tons of hot meat, typically used for pares, during separate raids in warehouses in Malabon and Valenzuela.

Emeterio Dongallo Jr., NBI-National Capital Region chief, said two people, including a warehouse owner, were arrested during the operations.

The hot meat, valued at P10 million to P12 million, were scattered on the floor and stepped on by employees, Dongallo said.

He added that the suspects advertise the hot meat as beef on social media at P250 per kilo, well below normal market prices of about P500 per kilo.

“Upon inspection, they were mixing pork diaphragm with beef fat to make it look like beef. This is pork that was made to look like beef and sold at pork prices,” Dongallo said.

He noted that the meat products do not usually reach public markets.

“These were bought by businessmen in bulk, especially those with eateries or pares business,” he said.

The NBI is investigating who smuggled the hot meat into the country, noting that more of the supply could be stored  in other warehouses in Metro Manila.

Dongallo warned business owners to be vigilant when purchasing meat, noting that the seized products are indistinguishable from standard beef when cooked.

“Check if what you’re buying is real beef because that may cause sickness in your customers. See where they come from and whether they are genuine,” he said.

The suspects are facing charges for violating the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines and may face imprisonment of six to 12 years.