400 alleged profiteers, hoarders arrested amid COVID-19 crisis –DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) efforts against hoarding and profiteering amid the COVID-19 health crisis had resulted in the arrest of around 400 alleged violators.

“To date, we were able to arrest close to 400 violators sa profiteering and hoarding nationwide so tulo-tuloy ang kampanya natin dito para masiguro ‘yung tamang presyo,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Saturday.

The DTI was mandated by the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act to monitor and determine compliance with consumer protection measures during the health emergency situation.

Lopez said the DTI’s monitoring was aimed at preventing price manipulation while the country was under a State of National Emergency.

The DTI earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 20-07 supplemented by MC No. 20-10 prescribing anti-hoarding and anti-panic buying guidelines.

The arrest of close to 400 alleged violators, Lopez said, stemmed from complaints the Trade Department received through its hotline 1384.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa taong bayan for being vigilant these times,” Lopez said. — DVM, GMA News