THREE people were arrested for selling overpriced alcohol in an entrapment operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) along Lacson-Galo Streets, Bacolod City on March 24.
Authorities identified the suspects as Nanette Cabiles, 45, Mae Cortez, 27, and Simmy Celeste, 32, all residents Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City.
NBI-Bacolod chief Renoir Baldovino said the operation was in response to a complaint received by his office that the three were selling overpriced alcohol bottles.
The NBI, along with the DTI, conducted a test-buy to confirm the allegations and confirmed that the suspects were selling alcohol at P90 for a 250 ml bottle, when it was supposed to be priced at only P40.
In total, they have confiscated 104 bottles of 250 ml alcohol, 37 pieces of one gallon alcohol bottles, and three one liter bottles of alcohol.
The three could face charges for violating RA 7581 or the Price Act. However, they could face further charges if the crime laboratory at the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office determines that the alcohol they were selling do not have the 70 percent alcohol content, the NBI head said.
Authorities have already warned against overpricing especially of the much needed alcohol which has been running out of stock, for personal hygiene in the fight against Covid-19. (TDE)