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Police presence beefed up in markets vs unauthorized price increase in basic goods

Philippines | National

Police presence beefed up in markets vs unauthorized price increase in basic goods

By Aaron Recuenco

photo: PNP

Police presence will be more visible in public markets and similar areas in a bid to prevent unauthorized price increases of basic goods amid rising fuel costs.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said territorial police units nationwide were instructed to ensure that no vendor or retailer takes advantage of the crisis by raising the prices of their goods as a response to potential profiteering linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

“We are coordinating with the DTI and the local government units on how the PNP could effectively assist on this aspect as part of our mandate to protect the interest of the people,” said Nartatez.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier said there is no reason to jack up the prices of basic commodities as manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have pledged to maintain current prices in the short term.

The DTI also vowed to work closely with industry partners to ensure a steady supply and stable prices to ease the burden on consumers.

President Marcos also reminded Filipinos that there is no need to hoard basic necessities, noting that merchants are following the prices set by the DTI.

“Let us not take advantage of the current economic challenge to push for personal gains. This is inhumane, this is not what Filipinos do, and we will not allow this,” said Nartatez.

To reinforce this, Nartatez warned of legal consequences against violators.

He also tasked local police units to strengthen coordination with the DTI and local government units to set up help desks where the public can immediately report abusive retailers.

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