BFAR sees possible manipulation behind steep price galunggong

The rising price of galunggong may already be the result of manipulation by unscrupulous traders, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said on Friday.

According to The price of Galunggong has increased to P360 per kilo, costing almost as much as beef meat.

"Dahil sa sitwasyon, yung iba nama-manipulate nila yung prices," BFAR Undersecretary Eduardo Gongona said.

However, Agriculture Secterary William Dar said that the prices may be affected by fishing harvest during the typhoon, as well as the fishin ban implemented in some areas.

To decrease the price in markets, authorities will import 45,000 metric tons of fish.

Meanwhile, authorities suspect that manipulation may also be involved in regards to rice prices.

While imported rice should cost less than P35, the cheapest well-milled rice still cost around P40.

As there are cheap local rice, Dar urged consumers to buy this instead.

"It's the market forces. Ang mag determina lang at ang mag de-decide is the consuming public kung alin yung gusto niya bilhin, andyan naman lahat ng supply," Dar said.

Vegetable prices have also increased due to Tisoy.

"In many ways, nakaapekto, kasi maulan rin sa Norte kahit walang bagyo. Yung radius ng Typhoon Tisoy hanggang Cagayan Valley," Dar said.

According to the report, P2 billion is the initial estimate of the agricultural damage caused by Tisoy.

Due to high demand this coming Christmas, the secretary said prices may increase further. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News