QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Police authorities vow to help in the strict implementation of the price freeze on basic commodities amid the massive flooding brought about by the inclement weather in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he had already ordered personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in enforcing the automatic price control particularly in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and other areas affected by the calamity.
The PNP Chief also ordered the arrest of profiteers and hoarders taking advantage of the situation.
“This is to prevent profiteering, hoarding and illegal acts of price manipulation,” said Albayalde.
Albayalde noted that upon the declaration of a state of calamity, sixty-day price freeze on basic and essential goods is automatically enforced citing Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of 1992.
Basic commodities include:
- rice
- corn
- bread
- fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products
- fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat
- fresh eggs
- fresh and processed milk
- fresh vegetables
- root crops
- coffee
- sugar
- cooking oil
- salt
- laundry soap
- detergents
- firewood
- charcoal
- candles
- and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health (Price Act of 1992)
Among the areas placed under a state of calamity as of Sunday (August 12) were Marikina, Olongapo, Balanga; some municipalities in Bataan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Tarlac; and the entire province of Cavite. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo
The post PNP to arrest profiteers, hoarders amid price freeze appeared first on UNTV News.