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NBI to join PNP, DTI in arresting, prosecuting hoarders of oxygen tanks, medical supplies

Philippines | National

NBI to join PNP, DTI in arresting, prosecuting hoarders of oxygen tanks, medical supplies

By Jeffrey Damicog

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra (2)

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 4, said he will direct the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help in running after and prosecuting hoarders of oxygen tanks and medical supplies.

“As there are current reports of hoarding (and possibly overpricing) of oxygen tanks and other medical supplies in Cebu, which probably involve a large number of suppliers, I will direct the NBI to help the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) in running after and prosecuting these hoarders not only in Cebu but in all areas of the country where incidents of Delta variant COVID-19 infection are expected to be high, including the NCR (National Capital Region),” Guevarra said.

He said that last year he had directed the NBI “to conduct an investigation of alleged hoarding and overpricing of medical supplies by a certain specified company.”

During last Tuesday’s, Aug. 3, “Laging Handa” public briefing, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who is currently serving as acting mayor, appealed to the national government to investigate reports of hoarding oxygen tanks and medical supplies.

Rama’s appeal was aired after receiving information from a hospital owner on the limited number of available oxygen tanks.

PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo T. Eleazar had given the order to run after those involved in the hoarding of oxygen tanks and medical supplies.

Eleazar said the PNP will also be coordinating with the DTI in conducting the investigations.

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