POLICE arrested five people and seized an estimated ₱2.47 million worth of suspected unregistered cooking palm oil during a search operation in Nabua, Camarines Sur, on August 26, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Camarines Sur Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, Maritime Police Station of Camarines Sur, Regional Intelligence Unit 5, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Nabua Municipal Police Station.
Authorities implemented a search warrant at a warehouse in Barangay Topas Proper between 1:45 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
The raid resulted in the arrest of five adults who were allegedly caught transferring and repacking cooking oil from plastic containers into bottles for distribution and sale to retailers.
Authorities recovered approximately 76 kilograms and 56.4 liters of cooking palm oil, along with three digital weighing scales, various documents, and a closed van allegedly used to transport the products.
The CIDG said the seized cooking oil was not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the warehouse allegedly did not have a required License to Operate. The CIDG separately valued the seized unregistered products at ₱677,862, while the overall police operation reported a total estimated value of ₱2.47 million.
One other individual linked to the operation reportedly remains at large as follow-up efforts continue.
CIDG Director PMGen Robert AA Morico II said the manufacture, distribution, sale, and offering for sale of food products without the required FDA authorization and registration are prohibited under RA 9711.
Morico stressed that businesses involved in the food industry must comply with regulatory requirements to protect consumers from potentially unsafe products.
The CIDG warned that uncertified food products may pose health risks because they have not undergone the required safety and quality assessments.
The five arrested suspects and confiscated items were brought to the CIDG Camarines Sur Provincial Field Unit for documentation and proper disposition, while appropriate charges are being prepared.
PNP Chief PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting communities from illegal activities involving products sold to the public.
The CIDG also urged consumers to check product labels and FDA registration numbers and use the FDA Verification Portal to verify food products before purchasing.
