PNP chief says they need DTI nod to pursue hoarders, profiteers

March 24, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said they will not conduct operations against people hoarding and selling overpriced medical supplies such as alcohol and face masks without the coordination of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a radio interview, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said it is the DTI who has a power to visit establishments to check product pricing.

“First the PNP will not impose (operation on) overpricing, hoarding without a DTI representatives because DTI representatives can enter (stores) because they have visitorial powers. That’s why I said before, if you want the PNP to do it alone, then you have to deputize us,” Gamboa said.

“As of now, there is still no deputation and our coordination with DTI is okay… DTI (representatives) is actually joining the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG),” Gamboa said.

The PNP chief asked for the public’s cooperation in locating persons who take advantage of the situation to make profits.

As of March 22, the PNP-CIDG said they arrested 33 people and confiscated over P13 million worth of medical supplies in separate operations against hoarders and profiteers amid COVID-19 crisis.

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

The CIDG said they are serious in preventing individuals or groups from taking advantage of the scare brought about by COVID-19.

They warned that arrested individuals will face charges for violation of Price Act as amended by the 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