The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified consumer protection efforts following reports of rising meat and vegetable prices ahead of Christmas.
“We have been conducting strategic operations against those involved in any activity that takes advantage of our citizens this holiday season in coordination with concerned government agencies,” PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Sunday, December 7.
Officers have been stationed in public markets, supermarkets, and wet markets to deter hoarding, profiteering, and panic-buying. The PNP is coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units to monitor prices, support inspections, and prevent illegal profiteering.
“Intelligence-driven operations are being conducted to target hoarders and syndicates that artificially inflate prices,” Nartatez added, following President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to safeguard consumers while ensuring uninterrupted access to essential goods.