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

P/Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, the PNP's chief of directorial staff, said the visit and inspection focused on monitoring commodity prices in anticipation of increased demand as Christmas Day approaches.

"This is to ensure that no price gouging will be committed by market vendors taking undue advantage of the holiday season," Okubo told the Daily Tribune.

According to Okubo, the activity was also led by DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and other PNP officials, including 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, to ensure 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 through existing processes," he said.