By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its presence near markets and grocery stores to prevent unauthorized price increases of basic goods amid rising fuel costs.
Police units nationwide are tasked to ensure that no vendor or retailer takes advantage of the crisis by raising the prices of their goods as a response to potential profiteering linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement Thursday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said this initiative is in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units.
“Let us not take advantage of the current economic challenge to push for personal gains,” he said as he warned violators of legal consequences.
The DTI earlier said manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities have pledged to maintain current prices in the short term.
Meanwhile, Nartatez said they are exploring the use of beat patrol assets to fetch stranded commuters amid the threat of transport groups to launch service disruptions in response to rising fuel costs.
“We are currently evaluating our assets to see where we can deploy our patrol vehicles to assist without compromising response time. Ang goal natin dito (Our goal here) is simply to bridge the gap,” he said.
The PNP chief said pilot areas may be identified based on commuter demand and transport gaps. (PNA)
