Police Brig. Gen. Joel Doria, director of the Police Regional Office 4B, has directed all police personnel in the Mimaropa region to conduct an awareness campaign on the rice price cap that was imposed by the national government to make the Filipino’s main food staple more affordable amid the adverse effects of inflation.
Mimaropa covers the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan and Doria wants policemen to be present in all the public markets to explain to the rice dealers and consumers what President Marcos’ Executive Order 39 is all about.
The EO 39 took effect on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Doria said the awareness campaign is part of the measures now being conducted by the national government along with the enforcement of the EO by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture.
“I have directed all PNP personnel to intensify the awareness campaign regarding the mandated price ceiling on rice as part of the President’s vision of a fair and inclusive rice market,” said Doria.
“Our aim is to ensure a consistent supply of affordable rice in Mimaropa," he added.
The EO put a price cap of P41 per kilo for regular-milled and P45 per kilo for well-milled rice.
In conducting an awareness campaign, Doria said they do not want any rice trader to be slapped with the penalties detailed in the EO which includes jail terms of up to 10 years and fine of up to P 1 million.
He also encouraged the public to support and cooperate with the implementation of this order.
"We urge the public's cooperation and support in fostering a transparent and inclusive rice market that benefits all stakeholders in the region," said Doria.