— With Noel Talacay
OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have arrested two persons for selling overpriced alcohol, thermal scanners, and thermometers in Manila and Camarines Sur.
The latest to be arrested was Jackson Chua who was nabbed during an entrapment operation at around 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Anchor Sky Building along Ongpin street in Binondo, Manila.
The CIDG said Chua was collared for “profiteering and hoarding” of non-contact infrared body thermometers which he sold for P4,700 each, or way above the suggested retail price of P2,350.
Seized from Chua’s possession were 100 infrared body thermometers with a market value of P235,000.
In Camarines Sur, CIDG operatives arrested Cherry Mae Abilay in Barangay Kadlan in Pili town at around 1:30 p.m Saturday.
Abilay was nabbed after selling 51 gallons of isopropyl alcohol at P1,200 per gallon and five thermal scanners for P7,500 each, which are way above the suggested retail price.
“All seized items cost a total of P98,700 when (they) should only cost a total amount of P27,710 based on suggested retail price of DTI/DOH/FDA,” the CIDG said.
The CIDG has stepped up operations against unscrupulous people selling alcohol, face masks, thermal scanners and other medical supplies over the past weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chua and Abilay are facing charges of violation of the Price Act and Consumer Act of the Philippines.
In Mandaluyong, a salesman was arrested on Sunday for allegedly selling overprice alcohol and face masks.
Arrested was Eleazar Anzures, 40, of Barangay Pag-asa.
Recovered from him were 35 bottles of alcohol sold for P700 each, 20 boxes of disposable face mask sold for P1,200 per box containing 50 pieces, and 18 bottles of hand sanitizer at P300 each.
