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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP extends assistance to ensure stable price of basic goods

PNP extends assistance to ensure stable price of basic goods

Published Mar 30, 2026 03:52 pm
photo: PNP
photo: PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units (LGUs) in preventing unauthorized price increase in basic goods especially this Holy Week.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the move is intended to ensure consumer protection against profiteers who may take advantage of the Middle East Tensions to jack up the prices of the basic commodities.
“We are working closely with concerned government agencies, especially the LGUs through our chiefs of police. We have already arrested a number of people for unauthorized price increases in the past days, we will not hesitate to arrest more in the interest of consumer protection,” said Nartatez.
He said police will continue strict monitoring and will not allow sellers to take advantage of the situation even during the Holy Week.
“We will not allow retailers to take advantage of the situation this Holy Week. I assure our kababayan that your police will remain vigilant so that those engaging in profiteering activities will be held accountable,” he said.
The DTI earlier confirmed that prices of basic consumer goods have so far remained stable, although adjustments may occur in the second half of April, adding that a meeting was held with manufacturers and retailers and discussed the matter.
Aside from prices of basic goods, police are also assisting the Department of Energy against illegal price hikes of petroleum products.
Seven people were already arrested for petroleum-related offenses, according to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño.
And based on the monitoring, several gas stations have reopened apparently after recovering from supply issues and operational cost shock amid the Middle East tensions.
From 425 gas stations that shut down based on the count last week, Tuaño said it went down to 365 on Monday morning, March 30.

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PNP DTI Price monitoring Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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