3 online sellers of overpriced disinfectants arrested in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police arrested Tuesday 3 people for selling overpriced alcohol and hand sanitizers online in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, the Trade department said.

Grocers pick a bottle of alcohol at KCC Mall de Zamboanga which has imposed a limit to its customers to be able to accommodate more people buying disinfectants due to the deadly Covid-19 disease. (Zamboanga Post)

The trio - accused of profiteering under Republic Act 10623 or Price Act - were apprehended in a sting operation mounted by undercover agents in the village of San Roque.

The Price Act ensures the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices at all times without denying legitimate business a fair return on investment, as well as the policy to provide effective and sufficient protection to consumers against hoarding, profiteering and cartels with respect to the supply, distribution, marketing and pricing of said goods, especially during periods of calamity, emergency, widespread illegal price manipulation and other similar situations.

Online sellers here priced their 250ml bottle alcohol from P100 to P200 after stocks ran out in supermarkets and groceries due to panic buying by residents. At KCC Mall de Zamboanga, customer can only purchase one bottle of 250ml of alcohol after it imposed a limit on the sale of disinfectants to be able to accommodate more people.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any seller of overpriced medical supplies such as alcohol, face masks, among others. We, along with other line government agencies and the local government, are doing our best to keep the prices within the suggested retail prices,” the Trade department said.

On Tuesday, Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar and members of the Local Price Coordinating Council inspected markets and groceries to ensure that Zamboanga has sufficient supply of basic commodities and prices are stable.

Salazar warned hoarders and profiteers the local government and the Department of Trade and Industry will sanction all violators. “We will not tolerate profiteering and we are warning all those who taking advantage of this crisis – we are going to run after you,” she said.

She also urged the public to report to the City Hall and Department of Trade and Industry any person selling overpriced disinfectants, or other medical products, including face masks. (Zamboanga Post)

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