CIDG nabs 30 for selling overpriced alcohol, medical supplies

March 23, 2020

The Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Sunday said they arrested around 30 people and confiscated over P13 million worth of medical supplies in separate operations against hoarders and profiteers amid COVID-19 crisis.

CIDG said it arrested 33 individuals, including four suspected members of a criminal gang, in separate operations in the last 48 hours since last March 20.

Operations were conducted in Quezon City, Manila, Pasay City, Iligan City, Isabela; Olongapo City, Tarlac; Bataan, Cagayan De Oro and Cabanatuan City.

Confiscated from all the entrapment operations were boxes of face masks, bottles of alcohol, hand sanitizers, and disposable N95 protective masks.

Some sellers priced masks at P34 per piece and P1, 700 per box while alcohol was being sold for P300 per piece.

“They were selling overpriced alcohol (and) were all arrested during separate entrapment operations,” said Major General Jose Napoleon Coronel, CIDG director,  in a statement.

Highest confiscation was in Pasay City where two Chinese and one Filipino were arrested for selling overpriced face masks. The seized boxes of face masks have an overall estimated value of P8. 687 million.

"The CIDG (is) determined and serious in preventing exploitative individuals or groups from taking advantage of the scare brought about by COVID-19 in the country and by exploiting and deceiving the community," Coronel said.

Arrested persons will face charges for violation of Price Act as amended by Consumer Act of the Philippines in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Department of Trade’s (DTI) Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying memorandum and  Proclamation No. 922. Ella Dionisio/DMS