CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the region (CIDG-10) has warned individuals on Tuesday (Mar. 24) from selling overpriced sanitary alcohol and other essential items amidst the threat of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
“We will continue to go after those engaged in overpricing, profiteering, and hoarding of medical supplies and equipment,” said Col. Harold Ramos, CIDG-10 Chief, following the arrest of six persons who were allegedly caught violating trade laws.
Arrested during Saturday’s (Mar. 21) entrapment operation at Barangay 33 this city were Percy Datoy, 24, female, married, from Zone 10, Barangay Carmen; Yobryte Unabia, 37, female, from Zone 8, Carmen; Jerome Quiachon, male, 32, from Barangay Macasandig; and Daniel Casiño, male, 22, from Tablon.
The suspects were allegedly caught selling assorted sizes of 90% ethyl alcohol to police personnel who posed as a buyer. The selling price was pegged at more than 10% of the suggested retail price. The total market value was placed at Php 23,900.
Confiscated from the suspects were 100 pieces of plastic containers with 150 milliliters (ml) of 90% ethyl alcohol, 100 pieces of plastic containers with 100 ml ethyl alcohol, 73 pieces plastic containers with 50 ml ethyl alcohol, a pad of official receipt, business permit, and Php 17,000.
The suspects will be charged for violating Republic Act 7581 as amended by RA 10623 or the Price Act.
Ramos said they will immediately arrest violators as CIDG-10 operatives are monitoring those involved in such acts.
More arrested
The same day, two persons were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulua. They were Gretchen Caare, female, 28, a resident of Barangay Amoros, El Salvador City, and Dr. Rhocile Lee Romblon-Fournier, female, 44, a resident of Barangay Patag, this city.
Caare was allegedly caught selling hand sanitizers without the approved Food and Drug Administration markings, according to the CIDG-10.
Taken from them were two pieces of 200 ml hand sanitizer spray refill 70% isopropyl alcohol with estimated worth of Php 360, two pieces of 300 ml hand sanitizers 70% isopropyl alcohol with estimated worth of Php 340, an official receipt, and Php 1,000.
Fournier is the owner of Dr. Generics Pharmacy while Caare is her employee. Both of them will be charged for violating RA 7394 or the Consumer Act and RA 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009 in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 922. (davaotoday.com)
