DA denies farmer suicide claims, asks NBI to investigate

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has denied claims that at least three Nueva Ecija farmers took their own lives due to low palay prices but has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated in a letter sent to the NBI and reiterated on Tuesday, March 25, that official reports and investigative findings contradict these claims.

Laurel noted that the DA's fact-finding report and accounts from law enforcement have contradicted the social media claims, while also receiving statements from the families of the deceased farmers.

Despite denying the claims, Laurel emphasized the need to restore the National Food Authority (NFA)'s regulatory powers and allocate additional resources to manage rice inventories effectively and influence market prices.

He attributed low palay prices to budget limitations for the NFA and the removal of its regulatory powers under the Rice Tariffication Law, hindering its ability to purchase larger quantities of rice from farmers.