The Department of Agriculture (DA) has uncovered that two companies listed as the owners of rice shipments currently stuck at the Port of Manila are no longer operational.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel confirmed the discovery, noting that the DA is consulting with its legal unit to determine if the former companies or consignees responsible for the rice shipments can be held accountable.
According to Laurel, the two companies appear to have vanished, leaving the rice shipments abandoned.
He stated that a full report on the abandoned cargo will be available within the next two weeks, which will help identify any individuals or companies still associated with the shipments.
Laurel speculated that the prolonged delay could be part of an attempt to hoard the rice for higher profits, a practice known as profiteering.
The Bureau of Plant Industry has been tasked with assessing whether the rice in the container vans is still safe for consumption.
Should the rice be deemed safe, the Bureau of Customs will decide whether to auction off the abandoned shipments or sell them at a discounted price through Kadiwa outlets.
Laurel added that the number of container vans currently stuck at the port has significantly decreased, and most are still within the 30-day storage limit allowed at the pier.
He also mentioned that the consignees and importers are now gradually releasing the cargo, in compliance with government guidelines.