Police units nationwide have been ordered to intensify their presence in public markets and similar areas to stop unauthorized price hikes of basic goods amid rising fuel costs, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said.
Nartatez directed territorial police units to ensure that no vendor or retailer takes advantage of the crisis by raising prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
He emphasized that the PNP is coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units to protect consumers.
The DTI earlier stressed there is no reason to increase the prices of basic commodities, noting that manufacturers of essential goods have pledged to maintain current prices in the short term. The agency also vowed to work closely with industry partners to ensure steady supply and stable prices to ease the burden on consumers.
President Marcos likewise reminded the public that hoarding is unnecessary, as merchants are following the price levels 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,” Nartatez said, warning of legal consequences against violators.
To reinforce the directive, he tasked local police units to strengthen coordination with the DTI and LGUs by setting up help desks where the public can immediately report abusive retailers. (Aaron Recuenco)
