THE CRIMINAL Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) XI teamed up with different government agencies to crack down on substandard and improperly labeled palm oil products in local commercial hubs.
Operating under “Oplan Megashopper,” elements of the CIDG-Davao City, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Davao City Economic Enterprise conducted random inspections on establishments and public markets.
The joint task force aimed to enforce compliance with the government-mandated price ceiling on imported rice and check for violations of trade and consumer protection regulations.
During the sweep, teams discovered bulk palm oil products being distributed and sold in direct violation of state labeling laws, pricing frameworks, and consumer protection requirements.
DTI XI and DA XI representatives immediately executed formal documentation and monitoring procedures, sealing the items for further evaluation ahead of filing administrative and criminal charges against the erring merchants.
PLTC Ariel T. Huesca, acting regional chief of CIDG XI, lauded the coordination between the police force and civilian regulatory agencies in shielding the local market from deceptive trade practices.
“The CIDG remains steadfast in supporting government initiatives against economic sabotage, unfair trade practices, and violations of consumer protection laws,” Huesca said in a statement.
“Sustained monitoring and strict enforcement are vital to ensure that businesses comply with established regulations and that everyday consumers are protected from unlawful, deceptive, or unsafe practices.”
