PNP News Releases 2005

HOARDERS AND PROFITEERS WARNED

PNP Chief, Director General Hermogenes E Ebdane Jr. today directed police commanders in areas affected by tropical depression “Frank” to closely monitor the supply and prices of basic commodities in the local market.

At the same time, Ebdane directed the police commanders to take immediate action against hoarders and profiteers who may take advantage of the situation.

In particular, the PNP Chief directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Regional Directors in Central Luzon and Ilocos-Pangasinan Regions to coordinate closely with officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to insure the continuous supply of basic commodities within the regulated price ceilings.

According to PNP Spokesman, Chief Superintendent Joel R Goltiao, the crackdown against hoarders and profiteers of basic commodities such rice, sugar, milk, flour, cooking oil, and other essential consumer products will be intensified during this rainy season when extreme weather disturbances are expected.

Reports reaching Manila indicate that some enterprising traders have jacked-up prices of basic commodities in some public markets in these regions.

Ebdane warned unscrupulous traders of stiff sanctions and criminal prosecution should they be found violating existing laws against profiteering and unfair trade practices.

Although tropical depression “Frank” is forecast to be outside the Philippine AOR in the next 48 hours, the weather disturbance expected to induce the Southwest monsoon which will spawn torrential rains in most parts of Luzon and the Visayas.