Duterte asks CIDG to probe proliferation of fake rice

DAVAO CITY – Following the result of laboratory tests that found the presence of toxic substance in fake rice samples, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its investigation and trace the source of the potential health hazard in the city.

Duterte asked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao region (CIDG-11) to take the lead in the investigations and determine the extent of the distribution of fake rice in the area.

“We would have to take steps and pursue another level of investigation,” Duterte said.

The mayor also instructed Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao to turn over all the information they gathered to the CIDG-11.

Danao led the task force recently created by Duterte that was commissioned to investigate and track the sources of synthetic or fake rice.

“I want the CIDG to focus on the investigation and expedite matters. The group can network with other CIDG offices in other regions,” the mayor said.

Duterte said a rice retailer had already talked to him on the matter and warned him against the proliferation of rice with sacks marked as “Banaybanay”.

The government, Duterte added, does not have enough information if “Banaybanay” rice was locally produced or imported and smuggled illegally into the country.

Duterte also told the traders: “It is your obligation that your rice is safe to digest, alright to eat. For if you fail on that then do not give me reasons for excuses.”

He further asked them to “check and make sure your supplies are safe for consumption.”