The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted buy-bust operations this week to entrap violators of Republic Act 7581, also known as the Price Act and Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

CIDG –PNP teams in the Provinces of Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya conducted separate investigations in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI), Department of Health-Food and Drugs Authority (DOH-FDA) following receipt of complaints and reports from consumers of overpriced alcohol being sold in stores and online.

On March 30th, Monday, in Diffun, Quirino Province, CIDG personnel took into custody the seller together with 178 gallons or unlabelled Ethyl Alcohol being sold at Php 850.00 per gallon. The price ceiling for alcohol as per DOH issuance is Php 600.00 per gallon.

Yesterday, March 31st, two separate operations were also conducted in Mallig, Isabela and in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya by CIDG-PNP personnel acting on tips received through DTI.

The seller in Mallig was selling ethyl alcohol in 500ml bottles of Wilkins distilled water beyond the price ceiling set by the Department of Health.

On the other hand, CIDG operatives in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya arrested two individuals selling ethyl alcohol at Php 850.00 per gallon, which is Php 250 above the price ceiling. They were also refilling water bottles with alcohol for sale. The sellers also were not able to show any business permit or documents to justify their activity. Both are now under the custody of the CIDG for proper disposition.

DTI Region 2 Director Leah Pulido Ocampo reiterated that the agency will continue to work with other government agencies like the CIDG-PNP, DOH-FDA and the local government units through the DILG in going after profiteers and all those who are taking advantage of the public health emergency situation that we are in.  ♦

Date of Release: 13 April 2020