The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) Allium Monitoring Team and the DA-Wide Field Inspectorate team confiscated 47 bags of yellow onions that were illegally traded and sold at the Malabon Central Market and in Divisoria.

The price monitoring report of the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) on October 7, 2022 surprised the BPI Allium Monitoring Team because it included yellow onion sold at P500/kilogram.

It was confirmed during the monitoring of different cold storages in the past two months that there is no available stocks of both local and imported yellow onions. This prompted the DA monitoring teams to conduct more rigid surveillance.

After a briefing, the DA teams and the Philippine Coastguard went to Malabon, where the sale of yellow onions was reported. The stall owner voluntarily surrendered his onion stock and led the team to his source of onion in Divisoria.

The identified sellers coordinated willingly  due to possible violations relative to illegal trade. The commodities were confiscated in accordance with existing rules and regulations, and they will be disposed accordingly.

The DA continues to strengthen collaboration with partner agencies to reinforce measures against agricultural smuggling and protect local producers and consumers. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)