PNP to assist in running after profiteers as PBBM wants to ensure stable price of basic commodities until December
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (File photo: PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now preparing for the possible deployment of personnel to assist the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in running after those engaged in hoarding and overpricing of basic commodities, especially on the days leading to the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the move was aimed at safeguarding consumers from unfair trade practices and ensure that essential goods remain affordable, especially for low-income families, following the instruction of President Marcos to enforce a strict monitoring of prices of basic and prime commodities until the end of the year to ensure price stability during the holiday season.
“We have instructed all our regional and provincial directors to coordinate closely with local government units and DTI offices in monitoring compliance,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez said they will mobilize the PNP’s investigative and enforcement units in response to the President’s order.
He said they will treat violations of the President’s order, including hoarding and overpricing, as serious criminal offenses tantamount to economic sabotage.
Nartatez said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police units have been specifically tasked to lead operations against profiteering.
Joint inspection teams, composed of the PNP, DTI, and LGU representatives, are being rapidly deployed to conduct thorough and random checks on markets, groceries, and warehouses.
Nartatez urged the business sector for compliance and likewise encouraged the public to be partners in enforcement by immediately reporting violations through police stations or DTI hotlines.