Probe ordered on alleged smuggling of carrots, broccoli in Cordillera

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The Department of Agriculture (DA) has ordered the Inspectorate and Enforcement (IE) office and the Bureau of Plant Industry to look into the alleged smuggling of carrots, broccoli, and other highland vegetables in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

"We will get to the bottom of this and if violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law were indeed committed, we will make sure these violators are punished,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement.

The DA said that a report from DA-Cordillera showed that imported broccoli was found on display at three stalls in Baguio's Hangar Market, including one stall with packaging clearly marked “Product of China.”

Vendors and distributors claimed that approximately 50 boxes of broccoli—priced at roughly ₱1,250 per box—were being shipped every two days from a Divisoria supplier in Santo Cristo, using returning Manila vegetable trucks for transport, the DA added.

Monitored retail prices ranged between ₱170 and ₱250 per kilogram. Authorities are currently investigating whether the produce was illegally smuggled into the country.

The DA also said that it received reports that the cheaper vegetable supplies are hurting Benguet farmers.

The DA-Cordillera recommended that DA-IE and BPI conduct joint inspections at major trading hubs across Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon to verify import permits, quarantine compliance, and food safety standards.

Additionally, the regional office urged joint efforts with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Trade and Industry to work alongside local governments and market leaders in monitoring local markets and enforcing clear price tagging and labeling regulations.

BPI personnel also collected broccoli samples for laboratory testing for heavy metals and formalin.

But the DA said that legally imported vegetables that meet national standards and quarantine requirements are still eligible for sale. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News