PNP tightens watch vs price freeze violators in Yolanda-battered areas
PNP Director General Alan Purisima INQUIRER File Photo
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday urged businessmen to observe the price control rule for basic commodities in areas devastated by monster typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) that was imposed following the declaration of a state of national calamity.
PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima, said Regional Directors of affected areas have been tasked to monitor prices of basic goods, and ensure the implementation of the price freeze order in close coordination with local Department of Trade and Industry and local government units.
The order was made to discourage businessmen who may take advantage of the calamity situation to jack up profits, Purisima said.
Police Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP-Public Information Office chief, said basic commodities include rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; root crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health.
PNP cited Sections 6 and 7 of Republic Act 7581 or The Price Act, which provides that “Prices of basic necessities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control whenever that area is proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under a state of calamity; and a price ceiling may be imposed on any basic necessity or prime commodity considering the impendency, existence, or effects of a calamity.”
Sindac said violators of the Price Act may face imprisonment for a period of not less than one year, but not more than 10 years, or a fine of not less than P5,000, but not more than P1,000,000.
“Efficiency in the execution of the price freeze is key in preserving peace and order even amidst the current calamity,” Sindac said, adding that its implementation can be a deterrent to crimes.
On Monday, President Aquino issued Proclamation No. 682, declaring a State of National Calamity to accelerate the efforts of government to save, to render aid, and to rehabilitate the provinces that were ravaged by Yolanda.
Malacañang said this is important to ensure control over the prices of basic commodities and services that our countrymen will need—to avoid overpricing and hoarding of vital products.
Relief supplies
Sindac also advised donors not to venture into disaster zones on their own without coordination with proper authorities.
PNP said donors can coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units and PNP for their food caravans or relief convoys.
Appropriate security escorts and route security to these food caravans will be provided by the PNP to prevent untoward incidents, Police Director Lina Sarmiento, PNP Director for Police Community Relations (DPCR) and Task Coordinator of the Sub-Committee on Disaster Management of the PNP Critical Incident Management Committee said.
Sarmiento also announced that the PNP has activated a Relief Center at the PNP Gymnasium in Camp Crame, Quezon City that accepts donations for Typhoon Yolanda victims. Donated items are processed and repacked at the center prior to shipment to DSWD relief depots in the disaster areas.
Donors may contact Chief Inspector Christine Bagundol or PO1 Alwin Lumsac of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) via mobile numbers 0928-5242472 or 09077215740.
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