Bulacan warehouse's 'piso sale' attracts crowds; temporarily closed for lack of permit

A warehouse in Sta. Maria, Bulacan was ordered temporarily closed after people flocked to the site to purchase items offered at rock-bottom prices or "piso sale," GMA News' Bam Alegre reported on "Saksi."

Authorities said law enforcement personnel were deployed to the area after learning about the large crowd that were waiting outside the warehouse that caused a traffic congestion through Facebook.

No one was reported injured in the incident.

"Nagkaroon na ng dagsa, influx ng mga tao pagdating. Hindi rin inaasahan ng mismong warehouse. Nagpadala kami immediately ng personnel doon para mag-assist," said Sta. Maria Chief of Police Lt. Col. Mark Louie Sigua.

(There has been a rush, an influx of people arriving. The large crowd was not expected by the warehouse itself. We immediately sent personnel there to assist.)

The local government temporarily stopped the warehouse from operating because it does not have a business permit.

"Napag-alaman sir na wala po silang business permit at hindi po sila pwedeng mag-operate. In the meantime, sinara po muna iyon at hindi po muna mag-ooperate until maka-comply sila," Sigua added.

(Sir, it was found out that they do not have a business permit and they cannot operate. In the meantime, it is closed and will not operate until they comply.)

The owners of the warehouse were given one week to work on acquiring a business permit before re-starting operations.

The owners, a couple, declined to issue a statement but they apologized for the incident.

According to the police, no charges will be filed but they advised business owners to prepare for crowds when offering items on sale.

"Mas mabuti po sana na talagang paghandaan kasi 'yung influx ng tao minsan sa mga ganyang sale ay hindi natin naaasahan," said Sigua.

(It would be better to really prepare because the influx of people sometimes in such sales is something we cannot expect.) — BAP, GMA News