CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Joint operatives of Central Luzon and Bulacan police recently arrested two alleged alcohol hoarders during an entrapment operation in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia, director of the Central Luzon police, said the suspects - Emmuel Payabyan and Mark David - were arrested for allegedly hoarding and selling alcohol at higher prices.
The two also sell unlabeled plastic bottles of medical liquid products, police said.
During the operation, police were able to seize 30 white plastic container of isopropyl alcohol, eight black plastic container of isopropyl alcohol, and 434 white plastic container of hydrobased.
Police recovered the marked money and the delivery receipt with a total amount of P346,650 issued by Payabyab.
The duo are now charged for violation of RA 7394 (Consumer Act), Violation of RA 7581 as amended by RA 10623 (Profiteering/Hoarding of Isopropyl Alcohol).
Sermonia said the operation should serve as warning to the public that the Philippine National Police is serious in going after individuals who take advantage of the current health situation in the country.
“As we continue to strictly implement the Enhanced Community Quarantine, we are also going after those who are taking advantage of the situation. May this serve as a stern warning to all especially those who are still trying to hoard and sell over-priced alcohols and other vital commodities which are very much needed this time. Stricter penalties are imposed to violators,” he said.