The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it will investigate violations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to freeze the prices of basic goods until the end of the year.
‘The PNP is now fully mobilizing its investigative and enforcement units, treating violations of the price freeze, such as hoarding and overpricing, as serious criminal offenses tantamount to economic sabotage,’ Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a statement.
‘We have instructed all our regional and provincial directors to coordinate closely with local government units and DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) offices in monitoring compliance. If there’s a complaint of hoarding or overpricing, we will immediately investigate it and enforce the law,’ he added.
The police chief particularly noted that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as well as local police units were tasked to crack down on profiteering.
Malacañang press officer Claire Castro announced Marcos’ order on Monday as the peak of the Christmas season nears.
The price freeze ensures strict adherence to the maximum suggested retail prices for imported rice, canned sardines, canned meats, all kinds of milk, various instant coffee products, bottled water, instant noodles, bread, salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, candles, and other manufactured basic commodities.