Police units in Western Visayas have been alerted to assist the National Food Authority and the Department of Trade in running after rice hoarders and illegal traders diverting government-subsidized rice to the commercial market.

Region 6 police director Isagani Cuevas yesterday confirmed the order of Camp Crame, but said they will only play a support role in the campaign against the hoarding of rice, corn, grains and other food items.

In a memorandum circulated to all PNP units, Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio, PNP Director for Operations, said police action is being initiated to preempt the possible impact on peace and order of the increase in prices of rice and other basic commodities.

Alarcio instructed regional police directors to closely coordinate with local offices of DTI, NFA and Department of Agriculture and local government units, in monitoring prices of basic commodities especially rice and other food products.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, said last night that they will provide assistance to concerned government agencies, if they need manpower requirements.

PNP units were also instructed by Camp Crame to arrest and investigate persons engaged in unauthorized re-milling of rice, and re-bagging of NFA grain products.

Alarcio said police units will also provide security to rice storage facilities, government food warehouses, and NFA accredited rice warehouses against possible pilferage and prevent NFA rice from being diverted to the commercial market by unscrupulous traders.

"If it is necessary that we should tail all trucks hauling NFA rice to ensure that the cargo does not end up in illegal warehouses, we will do that and hit hard on the hoarders who are causing this artificial crisis," Alarcio said.

The Department of Trade and Industry attributes the "artificial shortage" and rising prices of commercial rice to high fuel prices, lower production due to global warming, rising demand due to over population, and the 150 percent increase in price of fertilizers.*GPB

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