NFA rice overpriced in Mindanao, says report

MANILA, Philippines — Militant fishermen asked Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap on Friday to look into reports that prices of rice have doubled in at least four provinces in the southern island of Mindanao. Radio dzBB's Mao dela Cruz reported that the fishers' group Pamalakaya complained that even rice subsidized by the National Food Authority (NFA) priced at P18.25 per kilogram was being sold at P28 to P36 per kilogram. Group spokesman Gerry Corpuz said the high prices were noted in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. Pamalakaya chairman Fernando Hicap said the high price smacked of collusion between local NFA officials and local traders. Hicap noted the P28 to P36 range is almost the same as commercial rice being sold in the Mindanao areas. GMANews.TV