TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija – Joint operatives from the Philippine National Police and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) inspect counterfeit fertilizer products and equipment seized during a series of anti-counterfeit operations in Talavera and Rizal, Nueva Ecija on July 15, 2026. The operations resulted in the arrest of four individuals, the discovery of an illegal fertilizer manufacturing facility, and the confiscation of counterfeit fertilizers, production machinery, and delivery trucks as part of the government’s intensified campaign against agricultural fraud and economic sabotage. (Jason de Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police authorities arrested four individuals and uncovered an illegal fertilizer manufacturing facility in Nueva Ecija during a series of anti-counterfeit operations on July 15, in a continuing crackdown against agricultural fraud and economic sabotage.
In a statement released Thursday, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said the operation initially led to the arrest of three suspects in Barangay San Ricardo, Talavera, where joint operatives from the Talavera Municipal Police Station, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the complainant caught the suspects allegedly selling counterfeit fertilizer products.
Seized during the operation were 260 bags of counterfeit fertilizers bearing various brand names with an estimated value of PHP258,000.
Information obtained from the initial operation prompted authorities to conduct a follow-up operation at an unregistered fertilizer manufacturing warehouse in Sitio Balasing, Barangay Sta. Monica, Rizal, Nueva Ecija.
Joint operatives from the Rizal and Talavera Municipal Police Stations, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, Regional Special Operations Group 3 (RSOG3), the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, and the FPA arrested the warehouse owner and discovered the illegal manufacturing facility.
Authorities recovered about 500 bags of illegally manufactured fertilizers and 21 granulator machines allegedly used in producing counterfeit fertilizer products. The warehouse owner reportedly failed to present the permits and registration documents required by the FPA.
The confiscated fertilizers, machinery, and delivery trucks, with an estimated total value of about PHP900,000, were turned over to the FPA for proper documentation and disposition.
PRO3 Director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation underscores the police’s commitment to protecting farmers from counterfeit agricultural products that threaten their livelihood and productivity.
“This operation reflects our continuing commitment to protect our farmers from counterfeit and substandard agricultural products that threaten their livelihood and productivity. Through close coordination with our partner agencies and stakeholders, we will continue to pursue individuals and groups engaged in illegal manufacturing and distribution activities that undermine legitimate businesses and exploit our farming communities,” Mendez said.
He added that the operation supports the Philippine National Police’s focused campaign against economic crimes and unlawful business practices.
PRO3 said it will continue intelligence-driven and inter-agency operations against illegal fertilizer manufacturing and distribution across Central Luzon to help protect the region’s agricultural sector and promote economic stability. (Jason de Asis)