The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has begun an investigation into the reported suicides of farmers in Nueva Ecija, which are said to have been caused by the declining prices of rice.
Asec. Arnel de Mesa initially clarified that the Department of Agriculture (DA), together with the police, has conducted an initial investigation. The findings showed that although some farmers had died, their deaths were not attributed to the low prices of rice.
Meanwhile, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed in a text message to DZRH that the Talavera Police have reported no suicide incidents in the municipality between March 1 to the present.
Santiago also stated that they are currently investigating the case in the town of Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Despite this, De Mesa confirmed that the Department of Agriculture is ready to offer support to the families of the farmers who have passed away. He also stated that the DA is continuing to take necessary actions to assist the farmers.
"Muli po nakatutok ang DA sa issue na ito at ang una po ang NFA nga po ay tinaas na nga ang presyo," De Mesa said in an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Wednesday.
Previously, Magsasaka Partylist Chairman Argel Cabatbat told DZRH that there have been a series of suicides among farmers in Central Luzon, allegedly due to losses in farming.
It was disclosed that the said cases did not undergo autopsies due to the high costs, with the official cause of death recorded as cardiac arrest.
On March 22, farmers gathered at the Guimba Bypass Road to bring their complaints to the attention of the government.
