MANILA, March 11 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday reassumed the National Food Authority (NFA) leadership following the suspension issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against two more officials of the food body.

The new preventive suspension order includes the newly designated NFA Officer-in-charge Piolito Santos and the Department Manager for Operation and Coordination Jonathan Yazon.

In a news release, Laurel assured unhampered operations in the NFA despite the ongoing investigation on the alleged improper sale of rice buffer stock.

"We want to stabilize the situation at the NFA following the events of last week," he said.

Laurel also encouraged the remaining personnel to sustain working on their respecti...