CEBU CITY – The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) will strictly monitor retailers to ensure that the price cap on rice will be enforced.
Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of PRO-7, has instructed all police units in the region to make sure that the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to impose price ceilings on the staple grain will be strictly followed.
The President has ordered the police to help monitor the imposition of a price cap on rice, said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Aberin.
The President has signed an Executive Order (EO) mandating the price ceiling for regular and well-milled rice at P41 and P45, respectively.
Pelare said the PRO-7 has started monitoring all rice retailers in the region with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“We will closely coordinate with the DTI to monitor those who may violate the EO,” said Pelare.
Pelare said violators may face imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than 10 years. A fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million also awaits violators.
The PRO-7 called on the public to help monitor erring retailers. Violation of the EO may be reported to cellphone numbers 0927-133-5170 and 0999-571-4069.
“Report any violation and we will take immediate action,” Pelare said.