CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Four Individuals were arrested in a series of anti-counterfeit fertilizer operations in Nueva Ecija and the uncovering of an illegal fertilizer manufacturing facility on Wednesday (July 15), 2026, marking another significant accomplishment in the continuing campaign against agricultural fraud and economic sabotage.
The operation began in Brgy. San Ricardo, Talavera, where joint operatives of the Talavera police, representatives from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the complainant arrested three individuals allegedly involved in the sale of counterfeit fertilizer products.
Seized during the operation were 260 bags of counterfeit fertilizers bearing various brand names with an estimated value of approximately P258,000.
Information obtained during the operation subsequently led authorities to an unregistered fertilizer manufacturing warehouse in Sitio Balasing, Brgy. Sta. Monica, Rizal, Nueva Ecija.
A joint follow-up operation conducted by personnel of Rizal MPS, Talavera MPS, CIDG Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, RSOG3, PIU-Nueva Ecija PPO, and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority resulted in the arrest of the warehouse owner and the discovery of the illegal facility.
Inside the warehouse, authorities found approximately 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizers and 21 granulator machines allegedly used in the production of counterfeit fertilizer products. The owner was reportedly unable to present the necessary permits and registration documents required by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.
The confiscated fertilizers, machinery, and delivery trucks, with an estimated value of approximately P900,000, were turned over to the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority for proper documentation and disposition.
Police Regional Office 3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the accomplishment forms part of the continuing effort to protect farmers and safeguard the integrity of the agricultural sector from fraudulent and substandard products.
“This operation reflects our continuing commitment to protect our farmers from counterfeit and substandard agricultural products that threaten their livelihood and productivity. Through close coordination with our partner agencies and stakeholders, we will continue to pursue individuals and groups engaged in illegal manufacturing and distribution activities that undermine legitimate businesses and exploit our farming communities,” P/Brig. Gen. Mendez said. (UnliNews Online)
