AAES Council intensifies crackdown on smugglers, hoarders

Government agencies under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council have agreed to intensify their crackdown on major smugglers, hoarders, profiteers, and cartel operators nearly nine months after the AAES Act was signed into law.

In a meeting at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, the council approved key enforcement rules "going after the big fish" and the Department of Justice's (DOJ) operational protocols.

Secretary Frederick Go stated that the council's enforcement efforts will focus on dismantling major syndicates that manipulate markets and unfairly drive up prices.

The council's Enforcement Group, comprising the NBI, PNP, PCG, and DOF, has been greenlit to implement the AAES Act and pursue smuggling and profiteering networks.

A DOJ-appointed Special Team of Prosecutors will also assist in expediting the filing and resolution of cases under the AAES Act.

With the AAES Act now in effect and enforcement mechanisms in place, the council is prepared to aggressively pursue offenders.

The ultimate aim of these intensified efforts is to ensure stable food prices and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos.