Price freeze on basic goods in effect in 5 typhoon-affected areas –DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry on Monday said a price freeze is in effect in Cavite, Batangas, Albay, Oriental Mindoro, and Marinduque after the provinces declared a state of calamity due to recent typhoons.

“Mayroon din po tayong price freeze doon sa mga nag-declare ng state of calamity. As of today, ‘yong Cavite because of Typhoon Rolly and last week lang because of Typhoon Quinta, mayroon ding nag-declare ng state of calamity sa Albay, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque at so ‘yon po may mga price freeze sa mga lugar na ‘yon,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, in other areas, Lopez said the suggested retail price system is still in effect for necessities and prime commodities such as canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, and milk.

“Since September 2019, wala pong increase ‘yong mga presyo na ‘yon at ‘di po talaga gumagalaw,” he said.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Sunday placed his province under a state of calamity due to the onslaught of Rolly.

Meanwhile, the provinces of Batangas, Albay, Oriental Mindoro, and Marinduque were placed under a state of calamity due to the destruction left by Typhoon Quinta.

Earlier, the Department of Agriculture announced it has recorded P1.1 billion worth of damage and losses in agriculture due to the effects Rolly.

Meanwhile, according to the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report, more than two million individuals from 12 regions had been affected by Rolly.

These came from Regions I, II, III, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region.

At least 16 people were also reported killed, the Office of Civil Defense V said. Of the number, 10 were from Albay (Daraga, 1; Guinobatan, 3; Malinao, 2; Oas, 1; Polangui, 1; Tabaco City, 2) while six were from Catanduanes (Gigmoto, 1; Virac, 4; San Miguel, 1). — DVM, GMA News