Manila, April 19 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA)'s probe into the alleged improper sale of rice stocks of the National Food Authority (NFA) remains intact despite the dismissal of the official leading the investigation.

This came after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director and probe panel head Demosthenes Escoto for grave misconduct in relation to the procurement of BFAR's communications equipment in 2018.

"Siya ang head dito at may dalawang kasama, si Atty. (Willie Ann) Angsiy at si Assistant Secretary James Layug. Buo pa naman, nandun pa naman iyong majority ng team (He was the head and was accompanied by two others including Atty. Angsiy and Asec. Jame...