DOJ to submit to Palace draft anti-smuggling task force EO

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 20) — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said he is set to submit to Malacañang a draft of executive order establishing an anti-smuggling task force "on call" in cases involving economic crimes.

Asked about updates on the agricultural smuggling probe during a press briefing, Remulla said the investigation is continuous and ongoing.

"In fact, I'm trying to put up a task force for agriculture smuggling to be led by a prevalent executive director and I'll be submitting a draft executive order to Malacañang for this purpose," he said.

"I need an ad hoc body to be permanently just on call for agricultural smuggling and probably other economic crimes related to the Bureau of Customs," he added.

In July, the President ordered a probe into the smuggling of onions and other agricultural products, saying the crime is a form of economic sabotage.