MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has intensified its campaign against illegal fertilizer manufacturing in Mindanao, issuing a Show Cause Order that could lead to administrative and criminal penalties.

Through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), authorities ordered DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading in Makilala, North Cotabato to explain why it should not be sanctioned for alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 1144 and Memorandum Circular No. 23, Series of 2022, which suspended the registration and licensing of handlers using the “spinning palanggana” method for fertilizer production.

The Show Cause Order followed a surprise inspection by the FPA on Feb. 20, prompted by an anonymous complaint about illegal fertilizer production. Inspectors found that the facility—registered under Ms. Quiara Fabian Batirina—was manufacturing and rebagging fertilizer products without a valid License to Operate (LTO).

Authorities immediately issued a Stop Use, Move, and Sale (SUMS) Order covering 1,352 bags of fertilizer at the Makilala site, effectively halting their distribution.

The seized products included Takada 14-14-14 fertilizer, a formulation registered under Valap Inc. Records showed that Valap’s LTO as manufacturer and national distributor had expired in January 2026, while DQB had no valid LTO for the production facility.

According to the FPA, the equipment used at the site failed to meet regulatory standards and relied on the banned “spinning palanggana” method, which was suspended after repeated laboratory failures and off-specification nutrient content in previous inspections.

Under Section 8(a) of PD 1144, entities are prohibited from manufacturing fertilizer in commercial quantities without an LTO, while Section 9 requires fertilizers to be registered and handled only by authorized license holders. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, and administrative sanctions after due proceedings.

Laboratory tests by the FPA and the Regional Soils Laboratory also found compliance issues with the Takada 14-14-14 stocks. Authorities reported that 8,023 bags linked to the case remain on hold across several areas in Agusan del Sur, including Taguibo in Butuan City, while 4,855 bags had already been distributed to farmer-beneficiaries before enforcement actions.

Local officials, including the Municipal Agriculturist’s Office and Barangay Saguing authorities, assisted in the inspection. The FPA also flagged DQB’s participation in government bidding activities despite regulatory lapses.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the enforcement action reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting farmers and ensuring the integrity of the food supply chain.

FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada added that stopping unauthorized manufacturing and distribution is necessary to uphold licensing requirements and safeguard fertilizer supplies.

“Inspections and enforcement will continue to prevent unsafe products from reaching farmers. This Show Cause Order sends a clear message that regulatory compliance is not optional, and violators will be held accountable,” Estrada said.

DQB has been given five working days to submit a written explanation. The FPA warned that failure to respond will be treated as a waiver of the company’s right to be heard, allowing regulators to proceed with sanctions as oversight of the fertilizer trade tightens.