Hanoi (VNA), March 4 -- The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of the National Food Authority (NFA) head and 138 other officials and employees for their alleged involvement in a sale of rice buffer stocks, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on March 4.

Minister Laurel said the suspension started on March 4 while an investigation is underway on the accusations.

An NFA official has accused several agency executives of improperly disposing of rice buffer stocks without bidding, and at a price allegedly disadvantageous to the government. The NFA executives deny any impropriety, affirming the sale followed procedures.

The controversy erupted as the Philippines grappled with high rice prices...