MANILA, June 3 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday warned violators of the PHP50 per kilogram price cap for 5 percent broken imported rice and mislabeling of local and imported varieties.

The DA made the warning after issuing 36 notices of violations (NOVs) to erring retailers for alleged "non-compliance" with Executive Order No. 118 and proper labelling following its nationwide simultaneous market inspection on Monday.

In a press conference, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the retailers may face penalties for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law and Price Act.

"Kung mapapatunayan na profiteering, mabigat 'yung kaparusahan. Pwede silang magmulta up to PHP1 million at ...