DOJ urges DA to report, file charges on smuggling of agricultural products (Sabong News)
Author
Jeffrey Damicog
Date
APRIL 29 2022
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, April 29, urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to report or to file charges against those involved in the smuggling of agricultural products.
“Nakahanda kami (We are prepared), upon the directive of the Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, to assist in the investigation and to ensure prosecution of those who may be involved in smuggling,” DOJ Undersecretary Adrian Ferdinand S. Sugay said during the “Laging Handa” public briefing.
Sugay said, if the DA has enough information, a complaint should be filed before the DOJ.
“Yan ay isasagawa namin ng nararapat sa preliminary investigation (We will conduct the necessary preliminary investigations on these complaints),” he said.
“At kung may dapat kasuhan magpa-file kami ng appropriate information before the courts (We will file charges should there are persons found liable),” he assured.
At the same time, Sugay said the DOJ can also refer cases to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) if case build-up is needed.
“Nakahanda kami, upon the directive of the Secretary, to assist in the investigation and to ensure prosecution of those who may be involved in smuggling.
On the DOJ’s part, Sugay said Secretary Guevarra has already issued a directive to the National Prosecution Service (NPS) to prioritize the resolution of pending cases concerning agricultural smuggling.
He said that Guevarra has issued a department order “directing the NBI to investigate itong mga smuggling activities nga na ito (to investigate these smuggling activities).”
