Task force warns hoarders, price manipulators ahead of La Niña

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., chairperson of the government’s Task Force El Niño, has warned that authorities will go after hoarders and manipulators preying on consumers as the country prepares for the La Niña phenomenon.

During the presidential task force’s meeting at Camp Aguinaldo earlier this month, Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) is ready to provide support to concerned government agencies in the price monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities.

He said curbing price manipulation and holding hoarders accountable will be among the priorities in the government’s response for La Niña, which is seen to start developing in June.

“Access to affordable basic commodities such as rice is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipino consumers. Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice resonates [in] the daily lives of Filipinos,” Teodoro said in a statement.

“Whatever support is needed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, rest assured we are here ready to assist them,” he added.

Teodoro also underscored the need to intensify price and supply monitoring efforts in markets to protect consumers from profiteering amid the weather phenomenon.

Last week, Teodoro directed the Task Force El Niño to start preparations for the possible onset of the La Niña phenomenon next month.

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier announced that the country was already in the "weak El Niño" stage, and the weather phenomenon may already end by June.

Due to this, PAGASA urged preparations for a “wetter” La Niña season, especially in areas prone to flooding.

PAGASA forecasts that the La Niña phenomenon, which is associated with above-normal rainfall conditions, may develop during the June-July-August season. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA Integrated News