MANILA, Sept. 1 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday urged lawmakers to grant it enforcement powers to strengthen the fight against agricultural smuggling.

The department issued the statement nearly a year after the passage of Republic Act (RA) 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said amendments to the law are needed to pursue those behind the illicit trade, which he described as "economic sabotage" that gravely harms local farmers and fisherfolk.

"The law is a step in the right direction, but without enforcement powers, our hands are tied. We cannot fully protect our farmers and fisherfolk," Tiu Laurel said in a statement.

Under the current setup, the agency ...