Manila, May 20 -- The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) has slapped suspension orders against five fertilizer firms over alleged violations of fertilizer laws and regulatory policies, amid concerns over counterfeit products, mislabeling and unauthorized distribution activities.

The sanctions came after a series of investigations, monitoring operations and compliance checks involving fertilizer manufacturers, distributors and product registrants.

In a news release Wednesday, FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada said the violations include refusal to allow lawful inspections by FPA personnel, sale of counterfeit and off-specification fertilizer products, product mislabeling and unauthorized movement of products already covered by S...