Spike in face mask prices in Manila probed

The Manila city government will conduct inspections in stores after receiving reports that some are selling face masks, originally priced at ₱30, for ₱200 per piece, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said.

This after Taal Volcano in Batangas spewed ash on Sunday night. Classes and government work were cancelled after the ash drifted across neighboring areas including Metro Manila.

In a statement issued Monday morning, Lacuna-Pangan said she ordered the Manila Bureau of Permits and the Manila Licenses Office to lead the inspection following reports that some have been selling N95 masks for ₱200 a piece.

“Huwag naman po natin gamitin ang panahon na ito para manamantala. Tandaan po natin, delikado po sa kalusugan nila ito,” Lacuna-Pangan said.

“Ayaw ko pong makakita ng pasyenteng may asthma na itinakbo sa ospital dahil lang hindi siya makahanap o makabili ng mask,” she added.

Volcanic ash may cause eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, severe coughing, difficulty in breathing, the Manila Public Information Office said.

As of press time, at least one ashfall-related incident have been reported in Manila.

John Moquerio, 24, was riding his motorcycle at Sta. Ana at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday when he had an asthma attack after inhaling volcanic ash.

He was brought to Sta. Ana Hospital where he was diagnosed with bronchial asthma and was treated before being sent home.

The Manila city government also distributed hundreds of face masks to vendors, bystanders, and homeless persons along Kalaw Avenue late Sunday night. Some of the homeless were also brought to Delpan Evacuation Center.