P2.3-M WORTH OF ‘HOT MEAT’ SEIZED IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

AUTHORITIES on Wednesday night seized some P2.3-million worth of “double-dead” meat and arrested seven suspects in Marilao, Bulacan.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., two trucks carrying about 12,500 kilos of “hot meat” in 430 boxes were intercepted in Bgy. Sta. Rosa 1 in Marilao.

“Natiyempuhan po ng ating roving patrol na ikinakarga sa mga truck ‘yung mga karne. Hiningan po ng dokumento ‘yung mga nagkakarga pero walang maipakita kaya kinumpiska ang mga karne,” Marilao acting police chief Col. Jordan Santiago said.

Based on the label, it was also found out that the seized meat were already expired.

Police added that upon verification, the National Meat Inspection Commission (NMIS) certified that the confiscated products were “hot meat.”

“This successful operation shows the strong partnership of the PNP with local government and regulatory agencies in safeguarding the welfare of our people,” Peñones said.

“PRO3 will remain vigilant against illegal practices that endanger public health and undermine consumer protection,” he added.

The arrested suspects are now detained at the Marilao Municipal Jail facing charges for violation of Republic Act  9296 or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.