Online seller of overpriced face masks busted; P1-M worth of items seized

MANILA, Philippines — An estimated P1.6-million worth of face masks were seized from an online seller who was arrested in Manila City for overpricing.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) nabbed Willy Sy in an entrapment operation conducted on Sunday afternoon along Abad Santos, Tondo, Manila.

The CIDG received information and complaints of alleged hoarding and overpriced selling of masks which prompted them to conduct the operation.

Through validation, they were able to confirm that the suspect was selling a box of face masks, which contains 50 pieces, for P1,600.

Other items confiscated from the suspect were 30 cartons of face masks, containing 40 boxes worth about P1,680,000.

The suspect will be charged with violations of Republic Act 7581 (Price Act) and Republic Act 7934 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.