Negros OCC CIDG probes rice hoarding

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - --- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group here is now investigating the reported rice hoarding in Negros Occidental, which caused the increase in the prices of rice in the province.

This was revealed by Senior Superintendent Roberto Fajardo, CIDG head, who said he and his men will conduct inspections on all of the warehouses in the province.

They "will be ready to apprehend businessmen who take advantage of the current situation where there is a rise in the prices of prime commodities," said Fajardo.

Fajardo earlier met with National Food Authority provincial Head Procopio Trabajo II to strengthen their campaign against the abusive rice traders.

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said there should be strict monitoring of NFA outlets to prevent rice hoarding, adding that there should be stiffer penalties against those who engaged in rice overpricing.  (FREEMAN)