NBI seizes overpriced thermal scanners, face masks, rubbing alcohol in Manila, Rizal

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized thousands of overpriced thermal scanners face masks and gallons of rubbing alcohol in separate operations in Manila and Rizal.

In a statement, NBI Director Eric Distor said in the first operation, agents raided a store along Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Friday and seized 1,360 pieces of thermal scanners and 7, 680 pieces of face masks worth more than P10 million.

The thermal scanners, according to Distor, were being sold for P8,000 each, which is eight times more expensive than its normal retail price of P1,000.

Arrested during the raid were the store’s assistant manager, cashier, and their salesladies, who were all unidentified. The NBI said those arrested will be charged for violating Republic Act 7581 otherwise or the Price Act of the Philippines.

The owner of the store, Rudy Miranda will also be charged for the same offenses although he was not present at that time, Distor said.

Later that same day, the NBI raided a Professional Skin Care Formula by Dr. Alvin store branch and confiscated eight gallons of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol which are being sold in small bottles and are allegedly overpriced.

The NBI said the store was raided after an informant bought 2 gallons of alcohol priced at P750, which is higher than the price set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Charges are now being prepared against suspects Lyndy Marollano and Annabelle Mendoza, for violation of R.A. 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines as amended by R.A. 10623 on Automatic Price Control and for possible violation of R.A. 3720 as amended by R.A. 9711, also known as the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

The DTI previously reminded merchants to observe a 60-day price freeze on all basic commodities across the country during the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.

/MUF