PNP to assist in enforcing price freeze in areas under state of calamity

August 13, 2018

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will assist the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units to enforce a price freeze on basic goods in areas under a state of calamity to prevent profiteering.

"I am directing the CIDG ( Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and the police intelligence units to closely assist in the enforcement of the price freeze and take appropriate action in support of DTI ( Department of Trade and Industry," said PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde in a statement on Monday.

Luzon was lashed by two days of monsoon rains, causing floods in many areas, especially in Metro Manila.

Albayalde said as of Sunday, a state of calamity has been declared in the entire province of Cavite; the cities of Marikina, Olongapo and Balanga; and some municipalities in Bataan, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac due to severe flooding.

Under the Price Act of 1992, a minimum 60-day price freeze on basic and essential commodities goes into effect when  a state of calamity is declared in areas. DMS