CIDG nabs profiteers, hoarders of alcohol, sanitizers amid COVID-19 crisis

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized over P4.2-million worth of alcohol, hand sanitizers, and face masks during multiple police operations against hoarders and profiteers.

In a statement released Sunday evening, the CIDG said it arrested 30 individuals, including four suspected members of a criminal gang in 13 police operations in the last 48 hours.

In Tondo, Manila, authorities seized 19 bubble-wrapped boxes of face masks valued at P620,000; 20 brown boxes; marked money; a closed van; and a HiAce van, after suspects were found selling face masks at P2,500 per box.

Among those arrested are Ernel Vincent Estilo, Nelgielyn Indong, Girlie Bonifacio, Charles Cabulao, Rosalito Manalo, Juan Fidel Talag, Jane Aguilar, and Christian Alfred Gonzales.

In Iligan City, Isabela, authorities arrested a businessman identified as Michael Bravo MNU for selling overpriced alcohol and face masks.

Seized were 20 bottles of hand sanitizers, 31 bottles of ethyl alcohol being sold at P300 each, 38 disposable N95 masks sold at P150 each, and boodle and marked money.

In Central Luzon, among those arrested were Jimmel Angelo Jimenez, Mark Kevin De Guzman, and Jennifer Coronel for selling goods above the prescribed price.

In Caloocan, a certain Archie Meiam was arrested for selling overpriced hand sanitizers at P250 each. He was found with 129 bottles of hand sanitizers with a total selling value of P32,350.00 and marked money.

Four alleged members of the Tetano Group -- Bener Navarrete, Jonathan Segura, Edgardo Corpuz, and Jognray Segura -- were also arrested in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija for hoarding, profiteering, selling, and refilling of isopropyl alcohol.

They were found with seven containers of isopropyl alcohol, 37 plastic containers of alcohol, 414 plastic bottles of alcohol, 32 empty 20-liter alcohol containers, two empty plastic gallon of alcohol containers, and 103 empty plastic bottles.

All seized bottles of alcohol, including the empty containers, were estimated to be worth P220,520.00.

Meanwhile, four others -- Percy Datoy, Yobryte Unabia, Jerome Quiachon, and Daniel Casino -- were arrested in Cagayan de Oro after selling assorted sizes of alcohol at an overpriced amount.

Individuals identified as Gretchen Caare, Rhocille Lee Romblon-Fournier, and Marcelino Yu were also nabbed in separate buy-bust operations in Cagayan de Oro City.

Also arrested were Bernadine Cruz, Ivy Austria, Monina Gallardo, Miko Santiso, Buenaventura Raman, and Roselie De Guzman.

"The CIDG (is) determined and serious in preventing exploitative individuals or groups from taking advantage of the scare brought about by COVID-19 in the country and by exploiting and deceiving the community," it said.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) had released a memorandum circular against hoarding and panic-buying in light of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

On March 17, the entirety of Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine until April 12, 2020, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. — DVM, GMA News