Bulacan Face Mask Hoarders Arrested By Authorities
FACE MASK HOARDERS -Amid the coronavirus spread in the Philippines, several people tried to take advantage and hoarded essential items to resell.
As such, the President previously ordered the arrest of people that violate the Price and Consumer act amid the crisis. However, even with the warning, there were still some hoarders that failed to adhere to the protocol.
This time, two hoarders from Bulacan were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). According to a report from PNA, the suspects were found with over P294,000 worth of face masks.
With the number of coronavirus cases increasing in the country, the need for face masks became even more important. Furthermore, the DOH required everyone that goes out for necessities to wear face masks.
In lieu of this, authorities have stepped up their initiatives against hoarders and profiteers. These actions led to the arrest of the two hoarders during an entrapment operation.
As per the report, an undercover agent made an online transaction with the suspects. The agent ordered about 280 packs of face mask costing P1,050 per pack which totals to about P294,000.
Obviously, the price per pack is grossly higher than the suggested retail price of P55 to P400 per pack or P1.10 to P8 per piece.
Following their arrest, Col. Lawrence Lajipe, acting director of the Bulacan Police Provincial office reported seizing 280 packs of unbranded masks. Along with this, they found a P1,000 bill and an additional P1,000 boodle money.
Currently, the hoarders were under the custody of the Bulacan CIDG along with the confiscated items. Moreover, the suspects have been charged with violating Republic Act 7581 and RA 7394, the Price Act, and Consumer Act respectively.
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