Police arrest three for selling overpriced ethyl alcohol

March 20, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday arrested three persons for hoarding and selling overpriced ethyl alcohol.

According to Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, they have intensified their operations against personalities who take advantage in these trying times of COVID-19 pandemic.

In two separate operations conducted by the PNP- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), at least three suspects were arrested for profiteering or overpricing and hoarding of ethyl alcohol.

The first operation was conducted in Sangandaan, Caloocan City after  authorities received complaints two persons were selling online a 500 ml  bottle of of ethyl alcohol at P140 when its selling price is around P61 to P74.25 only.

CIDG operatives identified the suspects as Jeffrey Zapanta, a stockman, and Albert Mandap, a bartender.

Confiscated from them were 83 pieces of Gentle Care ethyl alcohol 500ml being sold at P140 and 48 pieces of Cucumber Fresh ethyl alcohol one liter being sold at P250

All items confiscated were recorded and witnessed by local barangay officials with an estimated market value of P 23,620.

The third suspect was arrested in Bambang, Sta. Cruz, Manila after receiving the same complaint.

The CIDG-DTI operation was launched to verify the information on a medical supply  store selling overpriced isopropyl alcohol above the suggested retail price set by the Department of Health (DOH) in concurrence with DTI.

This is led to the arrest of Evangeline Endozo, a saleslady of JKOS Medical Supplies and Equipment, Inc who figured in act of selling overpriced 60 ml bottles of Green Cross alcohol worth P80.

According to the report, about 1,380 bottles of ethyl alcohol in 500ml, 60ml, and 40ml were confiscated from the said store with an estimated market value of P231,000.

Banac said the suspects and confiscated items are in the custody of CIDG for documentation and proper disposition.

Suspects will face cases for violating the Republic Act 7581 (Price Act) as amended by Republic Act 10623 and Republic Act 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines), Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (Aggravating Circumstances), DTI Memorandum Circular No.20-07 “Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying” and, Proclamation No. 922 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Ella Dionisio/DMS