Central Luzon farmers want Mindanao rice smuggling probed

MALOLOS, Philippines – Farmers from Central Luzon are asking the government to investigate rice smuggling in Mindanao, which they said has been pulling down the price of palay.

Simeon Sioson, president of the Federation of Central Luzon Farmers Cooperative, told The STAR yesterday that sacks of rice intercepted recently by the Bureau of Customs ended up in markets in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Sioson said palay price has gone down to P18.50 per kilo from P25 in November.

He cited information that the smuggled rice is being coursed through the Cagayan de Oro City on its way to Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Sioson said the government must protect farmers from incurring further losses.