Zambo cops net woman selling overpriced alcohol

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police arrested a woman who was selling overpriced isopropyl alcohol following a sting operation in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Officials said the 38-year old Maria Riza Edem Nonong was accused by the police of violating Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan To Heal As One Act) and the Price Act.

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.

Police photo shows the seized gallons of alcohol from Maria Riza Edem Nonong.

The Tuesday operation was mounted by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Zamboanga City Police Station 5, the 904^th Company of the Police Regional Mobile Force 9 and personnel of the Department of Trade and Industry and Mindanao West Cluster – Food and Drugs Administration.

Maj. Helen Galvez, a regional police spokeswoman, said police seized 32 gallons of 70% solution isopropyl alcohol which the woman was selling at P1,200 each gallon, but the suggested retail price of the alcohol is only P520 a gallon.

She said Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, the regional police chief, lauded the operation that led to the arrest of the woman. Quidilla also warned profiteers and hoarders of disinfectants and other essential commodities amid the coronavirus pandemic that authorities will run after them. “Please do not take advantage of the situation amid this pandemic we are facing,” he said.

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

Last month, police in Barangay San Roque also arrested 3 people accused of profiteering. The trio was selling 250ml bottle alcohol from P100 to P200 after stocks ran out in supermarkets and groceries due to panic buying by residents.

Mayor Beng Climaco has previously warned profiteers to stop their nefarious activities and ordered authorities to crack down on erring traders. “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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