THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) arrested a total of 15 individuals in the city for allegedly hoarding and selling overpriced medical essentials during the implementation of community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Based on the data provided by DCPO Director Kirby John Kraft, from March 20 to April 12, their office has launched six operations against erring individuals who took advantage of the current crisis.
Kraft also said that six cases have been filed before the court.
With the rising cases of Covid-19 in the city, the demand for protective gear likewise suddenly spiked for personal protection against the disease.
DCPO, thus, received numerous reports of massive hoarding, overpriced items, and profiteering. Upon learning the information, authorities launched an entrapment operation that led to the confiscation of 800 liters of alcohol, 50 pieces of surgical masks, and 1,255 bottles of disinfectant/liquid soap.
In a separate operation, DCPO also seized a total of 60 infrared thermometer guns. These items were confiscated on April 9 during a joint operation conducted in two separate different entrapment operations along R. Castillo Road, San Juan, Agdao, Davao City that resulted in the arrest of the seven suspects.
The arrested suspects were later identified as Mark Ed Ezmundo Mapa, Michael Villarico Tenchavez, Mae Heruela Tripole, Raymon Camacho Serapion, Maria Lourdes Ong Yap, Aiza Denia Narciso, and Ramil Callano De Leon.
An undercover police officer bought 30 pieces of infrared thermometer amounting to P156,000.
Each infrared thermometer has an estimated value of P3,400 each as per the Department of Health (DOH) Department Circular 2020-0161 with a total price of P204,000, however, the suspects sold it for P5,200 each and the other sellers sold it 4,150 each.
The tip came from the Intelligence Unit of Philippine Air Force that the suspects are involved in selling overpriced infrared thermometers via online transaction.
"In this time of crisis, Covid-19 will not stop the Davao City Police in performing its mandated task of serving and protecting the people. Let this be a warning to those who will take advantage of the situation that we will run after them," Kraft said.
The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 7581 or the Philippine Price Act as amended by RA 10623.