CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, March 25 (PIA) -- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 3 nabbed 17 suspects from different provinces in Central Luzon for allegedly profiteering, hoarding, and selling of overpriced alcohol.

During separate buy-bust operations conducted from March 20 to 25, an estimated Php546,610 of alcohol were seized.

Four suspects each were arrested in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, three in Tarlac, two in Pampanga, and one each in Bataan, Zambales, and highly urbanized cities of Angeles and Olongapo.

"Department of Trade and Industry [DTI] has released the suggested retail price [SRP] of the alcohol. Arrested suspects were selling them three times higher than its SRP," CIDG Regional Chief PCol. Amante Daro said in an interview.

Suspects were charged for violating Republic Act 7581 as amended by Republic Act 10623 or the Price Act, Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act, and Section 7 of Republic Act 11332.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 3 seizes alcohol worth Php546,610 during separate buy-bust operations conducted from March 20 to 25 over provinces in Central Luzon. (CIDG RFU 3)

"The public is urged to file official complaints for these kind of acts to the nearest CIDG Provincial Field Unit," Daro added.

Price of 70 percent solution Ethyl Alcohol for 60mL ranges from Php17.25 to Php25.50, 250mL costs from Php36.75 to Php41.75, while the 500 ml is Php61.00 to Php74.25 as pursuant to the Department of Health Memorandum 2020-0058-8.

Retailers are also enjoined to limit the selling of alcohol to only two pieces, regardless of volume, per transaction.

DTI has issued a price freeze order on all basic necessities following Proclamation No. 922, declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. (CLJD/MJSD-PIA 3)