The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on early morning Thursday inspected the Guadalupe Public Market, Makati City to ensure reasonable and fair commodity prices especially during the Holiday Season.

PNP Directorial Staff chief P/Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo said that the visit and inspection initiative focused on monitoring commodity prices in the market, anticipating increased demand as Christmas approaches.

“This is to prevent market vendors from taking advantage of the holiday season by price gouging,” Okubo told DAILY TRIBUNE.

He added that the activity was also led by DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and other PNP officials like P/Brig. Gen Bernard Yang, the Southern Police District Director, P/Col. Jean Dela Torre, Makati Police Chief, and P/Col. Randy Glenn Silvio.

Okubo said the DTI and DA work closely with different government agencies particularly the PNP in ensuring the welfare of Filipino consumers.

“They also reminded market vendors of the price ceiling and suggested retail prices and ensured that any violation thereof will be dealt with existing processes,” he said.

Meantime, Roque stressed the importance of rice, being a staple for Filipino families.