Authorities confiscated around 20 tons of expired frozen meat products during a raid on a warehouse in Marikina City, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals allegedly involved in the storage and distribution of unsafe food items.
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) through the National Capital Region Police Office in coordination with the National Meat Inspection Service.
Police served a search warrant at a warehouse located in Barangay Tañong, where authorities uncovered a large quantity of frozen meat products that had already passed their expiration dates and were considered unfit for human consumption.
Investigators said the products could have posed serious health threats, including foodborne illnesses, if they had reached public markets and consumers.
The 12 arrested individuals, believed to be workers and personnel working in the facility, may face charges for alleged violations of food safety and meat inspection regulations.
The operation forms part of the government’s continuing crackdown on the illegal distribution of unsafe food products and efforts to strengthen consumer protection measures.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating teams and stressed the importance of sustained enforcement operations against businesses that endanger public health.
He said the police force remains committed to protecting consumers from hazardous products and vowed continued coordination with concerned government agencies to ensure accountability while observing due process.
The PNP also assured the public that similar inspections and enforcement operations will continue as part of its broader campaign on public safety and consumer welfare under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..