PNP to help against face masks hoarding

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will assist the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in monitoring the reported hoarding and profiteering of medical supplies such as face masks due to the sudden surge in demand amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) scare in the country,

“The CIDG (Criminal

Investigation and Detection Group) and local PNP units are directed to assist DTI and LGUs (local government units) in monitoring market activities to identify establishments and traders engaged in hoarding and profiteering of medical supplies such as face masks and disinfectants that are taking advantage of the situation to create artificial demand and justify a hike in prices,” PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, told reporters in a press briefing held at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

Gamboa, however, clarified that the DTI is still the principal responsible agency on the crackdown against traders imposing overpriced medical supplies.