The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR), has confiscated thousands of unregistered pesticide and fertilizer products valued at approximately P4 million.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. praised the swift enforcement action, describing it as a clear demonstration of government resolve. “This action clearly demonstrates the resolve of government agencies to carry out the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect our farmers as well as local businesses against these unfair and illicit trade practices,” he said.

The enforcement operation stemmed from a formal complaint received by the FPA, implicating WLEX Company in the distribution of illegal agricultural inputs. The products were recovered from a commercial establishment being used for unauthorized storage and distribution.

Among the seized items were 641 one-liter bottles of Axonic pesticide, 748 one-liter bottles of Sapphire pesticide, 220 one-liter bottles of Chlonil pesticide, four sacks of Welzeb, and multiple variants of the bio-stimulant Nutrinaro SC—5,590 sachets (10g), 345 sachets (50g), and 90 sachets (5g). Authorities also recovered 220 pieces and 800 packs of Norinano Plus (10g), along with three containers of unidentified chemical substances.

According to the FPA, the brands Axonic, Sapphire, Chlonil, and Welzeb are not registered with the agency and are considered illegal.

WLEX is also not licensed to handle pesticide products. Although the company once held a valid certification as a fertilizer importer and distributor, its license is only effective until December 7, 2024. Only one of its products, Norinano Plus Soil Conditioner, remains registered with the FPA until February 4, 2027.

Investigators found that the products had been repackaged locally and falsely advertised as imported, in an apparent effort to mislead buyers.

“We are serious in our campaign against the proliferation of these adulterated and unregistered products that hurt not only legitimate businesses but our farmers and overall farm productivity,” said FPA Executive Director Glenn DC. Estrada. “We will remain vigilant to ensure only legitimate products are sold to our farmers.”

All confiscated items have been turned over to the Department of Agriculture for safekeeping and legal documentation. Investigations are ongoing, and appropriate charges will be filed under existing laws.

The FPA urges farmers and agri-suppliers to purchase only from licensed dealers and to verify products through official FPA Alert Lines. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team