Authorities arrested two friends for selling overpriced thermal scanners in Pasig City.
The two suspects were identified as Sofia Loren, 27, and Melvin Loto, 37, both residents of Tawiran Street Barangay Santolan in Pasig City.
The two were arrested in an entrapment operation inside a prominent fast food store in Barangay San Nicolas 5:10 pm on Monday, March 16.
Police recovered 10 units of the thermal scanners and the P50,000 boodle money used in operation.
They will face a violation of the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a price freeze on basic goods amid the public’s panic buying due to the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.
The DTI said prices of basic necessities would not increase for 60 days unless President Rodrigo Duterte lifts the declaration of a state of a public health emergency.
“The DTI is closely coordinating with other government agencies, manufacturers, and retailers of basic goods to ensure availability and continuous supply in the market. Retailers are reminded that there should be no price movement on these goods while the price freeze is in effect,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.
“The Department continues to intensify its monitoring and enforcement activities on the prices of basic goods in the market, including N-95, N-88, and other similar face masks,” Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.
DTI also warned those who will take advantage of the COVID-19 threat. Those who would hoard and sell overpriced medical devices and products like alcohol, medicines, alcohol/sanitizers, and N-88, N-95, and other similar face masks will face criminal charges.