Manila, July 18 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday denounced reports of some rice traders allegedly taking advantage of farmers during the tail-end of the harvest season, following claims that fresh, wet palay (unhusked rice) is being bought at PHP5 per kg. in Nueva Ecija.

The report, first raised by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), prompted the DA to launch an investigation into the matter.

"Sobra-sobra na iyon, talagang pang-abuso iyon ng mga traders na meron pang bumibili (That's too much, it's really an abuse of traders who are buying)," DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a press briefing.

He warned that if proven, traders involved could face profiteering charges.

"Ang instruction...