PNP warns vs profiteering, hoarding of goods this Christmas

The Philippine National Police said Sunday it is increasing efforts towards consumer protection and public safety amid reports of rising meat and vegetable prices in the weeks leading to Christmas.

In a statement, PNP chief P/Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., said the PNP has “deployed additional personnel to public markets, supermarkets, and wet markets to deter hoarding, profiteering, and potential panic-buying and other disturbances.” 

“We have been conducting strategic operations against those involved in any activity that takes advantage of our kababayan this Holiday season in coordination with concerned government (agencies),” Nartatez added. 

The measures are in line with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to the PNP and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to safeguard the welfare of consumers while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential goods, according to the PNP. 

To achieve this, the PNP said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units (LGUs) to monitor price movements, support inspections, and prevent illegal profiteering.

For its part, the PNP said it is conducting intelligence-driven operations versus suspected hoarders and syndicates that artificially inflate prices. 

Nartataez assured the public that the police are committed to keeping markets safe, orderly, and fair for all consumers during the Christmas season.

“We assure our kababayan of police action and maximum presence to ensure a peaceful and truly merry Christmas celebration this year,” he said.

During the weekend, the PNP said all police units have shifted to a heightened security posture under "Ligtas Paskuhan 2025." —RF, GMA Integrated News