Trader faces more charges over rice hoard

Valenzuela City authorities are contemplating the filing of additional charges against a Filipino-Chinese businessman caught for allegedly hoarding at least 13,000 sacks of National Food Authority (NFA) rice intended for the government’s food program for the poor.

Charges of illegal "diversion" of NFA rice, involving the "rebagging" of government stocks for commercial purposes, have been filed with the Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court, against Jorge Ang, Superintendent Jose Marcelo, city police chief, told The STAR yesterday.

Marcelo said that aside from violating the NFA law, Ang is also being investigated for the 13 questionable luxury vehicles found at his warehouse on 18 F. de Zafra Street, Sitio Malabo in Barangay Maysan.

"We are still determining whether these assorted second-hand luxury cars have necessary papers, but one thing is sure, Ang violated the NFA regulations," Marcelo said.

Last Oct. 8, Northern Police District (NPD) operatives, in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation and the office of Mayor Bobbit Carlos, raided Ang’s Lucky Ventures Forwarders Inc. warehouse in Barangay Maysan by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Floro Alejo.

Lawmen found some 13,000 sacks of NFA rice with an estimated value of around P15 million, thousands of empty sacks with "Eagle" markings, weighing scales, re-bagging materials, purchase orders, receipts and other documents.

During the search at the compound, authorities also found 13 assorted luxury vehicles which came from Subic, Marcelo said.

According to Marcelo the 13,000 sacks of rice were imported from Thailand and were intended for the "Tindahan ni Gloria" rolling stores that roam depressed areas to sell cheap rice to poor residents.

"What we found out was that the NFA rice intended to be sold for only P14 a kilo to beneficiaries was being re-packed and sold at a commercial value of P16 to P18 a kilo," Marcelo said.

It was learned that prior to the warehouse’s raid, Carlos already ordered a stop to its operation and had it padlocked for operating without a mayor’s permit.

NPD director Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. lauded the Valenzuela City police and urged them to closely watch other traders who may be taking advantage of the government’s pro-poor program. — Pete Laude