The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to file an economic sabotage case against traders and other industry players who are behind the smuggling of onions and price fixing of onions in the country, its Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla said on Thursday.
"We are looking at all the minutes now of congressional hearings, and of course, we are looking at our own notes to be able to put together a good case of economic sabotage against those who insist on the creating the cartel within the country, which is definitely against the law," he said told reporters in a press conference.
Remulla said his office will only need to gather all sufficient evidence against the onion smugglers.
"We have an idea how it happens. Don't worry about it," he added.
According to the Justice Chief, the cold storage facilities of onion and middlemen are also involved in the widespread onion smuggling.
"There are around six or seven names that come out. We have a very good idea. We just have to caught them in the act," Remulla said.
When asked if these individuals are the same names revealed in Congressional hearings, the Justice Chief affirmed.
Last Wednesday, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. directed the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to launch a probe into the smuggling, hoarding, and price fixing of onions and other agricultural products, acts that he described as akin to economic sabotage.
