BOCAUE, Bulacan — A raiding team from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan that had allegedly been hoarding and reselling old, imported rice disguised as premium-grade grain in several markets in Metro Manila.

Initial reports revealed that several heaps of imported rice, stored for at least two years, along with equipment used to mix varieties and add artificial fragrance to pass them off as high-quality rice, were found stocked inside the warehouse.

"They mix different rice varieties, add pandan scent, and sell it as premium or Class-A rice," NBI director Jaime 'Jimmy' Santiago noted.

"They are deceiving the public. The sacks are covered in dust—this is a clear case of hoarding. It’s dangerous; we don’t know if it’s still safe to eat or only fit for animal consumption," Santiago cited.

NBI Special Task Force chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc disclosed that they are currently investigating whether the rice was obtained legally or had been smuggled into the country.

"There’s rice from Vietnam, Pakistan, and India. When we checked their machines, we saw different varieties being mixed to produce so-called premium rice," Lotoc noted.

Meanwhile, an official of the company that allegedly owned the warehouse denied any wrongdoing.
Santiago, however, said that they would coordinate with local authorities to identify the warehouse owner and in order to file charges for hoarding, adulteration, profiteering, false labeling and economic sabotage.