Government authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown on the unauthorized online sale of agricultural fertilizers following a series of entrapment operations that led to the arrest of four individuals in Quezon City.
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), has announced the launch of “Oplan Bistados,” a campaign aimed at curbing the proliferation of unregistered and potentially harmful fertilizers and pesticides on digital platforms.
The enforcement action, conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), resulted in the recent seizure of 163 fertilizer products and 113 pesticide units in separate operations across Mindanao Avenue, Cubao, and the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada emphasized that the agency has never authorized the sale of regulated agricultural inputs through online marketplaces.
“Online selling of fertilizers and pesticides has never been authorized, as the agency does not issue licenses or permits for these platforms,” Estrada said. “Products sold online are often untraceable and may be counterfeit, substandard, or chemically unsafe.”
The agency warned that many products sold online originate from overseas and bypass mandatory registration, import clearance, and quality inspection.
Officials noted that these unregulated inputs pose severe risks to crop productivity, soil health, and the safety of farmers and consumers.
Under Presidential Decree No. 1144, all agricultural chemicals must be duly registered with the FPA before they can be sold or distributed.
While acknowledging the convenience of online shopping, Estrada clarified that the FPA is currently developing a regulatory framework to potentially allow digital sales in the future—provided that strict licensing and traceability systems are established.
For now, the FPA urged farmers to purchase only from authorized physical establishments and licensed dealers.
The public is encouraged to verify product registration numbers through the official FPA website to avoid falling victim to “unscrupulous sellers.”