CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Two individuals were arrested and a total of ₱6.6 million worth of illegal and expired food products were seized in separate operations in Bulacan and Tarlac.

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, Central Luzon police director, said that on Wednesday (March 25) at about 3:40 pm, joint operatives led by the Regional Intelligence Division–Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RID-RSOG3), together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regional Field Office 3, BPLO Marilao, CIDG PFU Bulacan, RMFB3, and Marilao MPS, conducted an inspection at a warehouse in Brgy. Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.

The inspection led to the discovery of large volumes of imported food items—cured meat, oils, sauces, bamboo shoots, noodles, and syrup products—all lacking proper documentation on delivery, procurement, and regulatory compliance, with an estimated value of ₱5 million.

The discovery resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old Chinese national warehouse manager for violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394) in relation to the Food Safety Act (RA 10611), local ordinances, and other applicable laws.

On Tuesday (March 24) at about 5:00 p.m., joint elements of RID-RSOG3, FDA RFO3, CIDG PFU Tarlac, RMFB3, and Bamban MPS conducted a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac, which led to the arrest of a 64-year-old barangay councilor for selling expired food products in violation of RA 7394 and the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 (RA 9711).

Recovered during the operation were nearly 19,800 pieces of expired assorted noodles, along with various snack items and consumer goods, with a total estimated value of ₱1.6 million.

All arrested individuals and confiscated items are now under the custody of authorities for documentation and proper legal disposition, while appropriate charges are being prepared.

Mendez emphasized the importance of sustained operations against illegal goods that pose risks to public health.

He pointed out, “Hindi natin papayagan na malagay sa panganib ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan dahil sa pagbebenta ng mga iligal at expired na produkto. These operations reflect our firm commitment to enforce consumer protection laws and hold violators accountable.”

Mendez added that the operations are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda of Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., particularly in strengthening law enforcement against economic and public safety threats.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts through coordinated and intelligence-driven operations, in close partnership with regulatory agencies, to ensure that only safe and compliant products reach the public,” the Central Luzon top cop noted.

📷 Region 3 Police Office