The Philippine National Police (PNP) has increased its presence in public markets and supermarkets nationwide to monitor the prices of meat and vegetables during the Christmas season and prevent illegal profiteering.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Sunday that additional personnel were deployed this week to deter hoarding, profiteering and panic-buying amid reports of price spikes.

“We have been conducting strategic operations against those involved in any activity that takes advantage of our kababayans this holiday season in coordination with the concerned government agencies,” Nartatez said.

He explained that police operations are being carried out in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units, which include monitoring price movements and conducting inspections in marketplaces.

The PNP is supporting these efforts through police visibility within the markets and enforcement actions against violators “to help protect consumers and maintain steady access to essential goods during the holiday period.”

Nartatez said intelligence-driven operations are also underway to identify groups suspected of artificially inflating prices through stockpiling or coordinated supply restrictions.

He also affirmed that the police presence in commercial areas will remain heightened as Christmas Day approaches to prevent disruptions and ensure orderly market operations, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard consumers.