Local police commanders have been ordered to assist in the implementation of price freeze on basic commodities and essential goods especially in areas devastated by typhoon "Rolly."
Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said that the enforcement of price freeze will be done especially in areas that will declare a State of Calamity as a result of the impact of the weather disturbance.
On Sunday, the province of Cavite already declared a state of calamity. More local government units are expected to declare their respective state of calamity in the coming days, especially in the Bicol Region which suffered the brunt of the strong winds and heavy rains unleashed by "Rolly."
“Under the law, automatic price control is up in areas that are declared under a state of calamity for a period of not more than 60 days. So we will assist in its enforcement,” said Cascolan, referring to Republic Act 7581, the Price Act of the Philippines.
Aside from basic necessities and prime commodities listed or being monitored by the DTI, he said the price freeze also covers those under regulation by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health, such as rice, sugar, poultry products, dairy products, cooking oil, cooking fuel, medicine, and medical supplies.
As "Rolly" is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility, Cascolan also ordered police commanders to lead post disaster clean-up, relief, and rehabilitation operations of regional and provincial police offices in the hardest hit areas.
The order includes clearing operations of highways and main thoroughfares to allow for the smooth passage of emergency services, relief caravans, and commercial cargo.
Cascolan also assured PNP units that suffered infrastructure damage of appropriate support from the National Headquarters to allow these units to resume normal operations in these facilities.
“As soon as all damage assessment reports are in, we can begin restoration work for damaged PNP facilities,” said Cascolan.
More than 1,000 policemen were affected by "Rolly." PNP units were also instructed to conduct assessment on the extent of damage in the police stations and other establishments and equipment owned by the PNP.