MANILA, Philippines?The Department of Agriculture reminded traders on Friday to observe calamity-triggered price ceilings on basic goods, warning that those caught overpricing risk business closure and criminal charges.

Agriculture Undersecretary Bernie Fondevilla said the department has monitoring teams checking price movements of all agriculture and fishery products in Metro Manila markets so the government can crack down hard on violators of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Automatic Price Control Act.

The Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and other government agencies were implementing the law in the aftermath of storm ?Ondoy? and the approach of typhoon "Pepeng."

Fondevilla said consumers have reported overpricing of pork, chicken, vegetables and other goods in places like Farmers' Market and Murphy Market in Cubao, Quezon City; Cogeo Market and Masinag Market in Antipolo City; Kalentong Market in Mandaluyong City; Susano Market in Novaliches, Roxas Public Market and Commonwealth Market, all in Quezon City; as well as in talipapa or makeshift outlets in many parts of the metropolis.

Consumers can report their complaints to the Department of Agriculture through telephone numbers 9202216 and 9268203, Fondevilla said.