Ilocos official in ‘hot water’

By Jasper Dawang

VINTAR, Ilocos Norte — The local government of Vintar on Monday has flagged the Municipal Agriculture Office of the municipality after it was discovered that at least P52,350 worth of agricultural products were missing.
    Vintar Mayor Richard Degala said that he conducted an inspection along with members of the Philippine National Police in the office which led to the discovery of the alleged theft.
    Initial reports disclosed that employees of the Municipal Agriculture Office identified as Ramon Agbayani, Engineer Remie Agbayani and Oliver Roy Agbayani, allegedly withdrew 15 sacks of Nutrifloat grower floating feeds with a total cost of P17,700.
    Reports also revealed that at least 21 sacks of Bonanza hog gestating pellets worth P34,650 were loaded at the Agriculture Stock Room utilizing a Government Vehicle bearing the plate number SAA 5156.
    Police said that the suspects delivered the agricultural products to ARG Agri-Farm Supply located at San Pedro in Vintar and alleged that the suspects were planning to sell the agricultural products to third-party individuals or customers of the farm supply shop.
    The delivered products were recovered and confiscated from the possession, control and custody of Thelma Aguinaldo, the sales clerk of AMRG Agri-Farm Supply.
    The products that were withdrawn were allegedly instructed by the Municipal Agriculturist, Dr. Myrna Simon, and delivered to ARG Agri-Farm Supply.
    Daily Tribune has tried reaching out to Simon but has not responded as of press time.