Manila, July 8 -- As many as 100 individuals linked to 20 companies may face charges for alleged involvement in agricultural smuggling in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) warned Tuesday.

In an ambush interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reiterated his desire to have someone jailed at least by the end of the year.

"Sabihin nating iyan ang suspects natin (Let's say that's our suspects), 100 suspects at least," he said on the sidelines of the inspection of PHP100 million worth of agricultural products at the Subic port.

The agriculture chief made the remark as blacklisted companies rose to 20 from 18, adding two consignees from the recent operation.

"Ang pinaka-culpable diyan (The most culpable) is the presiden...