SIPALAY CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting a silent investigation on the reported proliferation of fake commodities and drugs in the country, including Negros Occidental.
This was confirmed on Wednesday by Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag, who was guest of honor at the inauguration of the P140-million Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital at Barangay Canturay in this city.
Tayag said the agency has been receiving tips on the circulation of counterfeit commodities thus, it is already conducting random investigations among various establishments allegedly involved in the illegal activity.
“This form of crime poses harm especially on the public’s health thus, it should be stopped,” the DOH official.
In Negros Occidental, provincial officials had earlier expressed alarm over the proliferation of fake commodities among markets and retail stores at the downtown area of Bacolod City, and in the cities of Kabankalan, Himamaylan, and Escalante, among others.
Commodities believed to be fake include soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cigarettes, and noodles sold about 50 percent cheaper than the authentic products.
Last week, the Provincial Board called for a public hearing with concerned local agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and DOH.
During the hearing, the Provincial Government and the government agencies urged distributors in the province to file a formal complaint.
Moreover, the DOH official said that as the Consumers’ Awareness Month is currently being observed, they are urging consumers anew to be vigilant.
Tayag said the public should report to them or to any other law enforcement agency activities and operations of illegitimate establishments, including manufacturers, distributors, agents, and even retailers.
“This campaign is not only of the health department or of the government, but it should be a collaboration with public especially the consumers,” he added.