Tovic Salvador

People buy vegetables, and other essentials for their daily consumption at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City on August 20, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

ECONOMY-FOOD

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its market monitoring operations nationwide amid reports of rising meat and vegetable prices in the weeks leading up to Christmas.Acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more police personnel have been deployed to public markets, supermarkets, and wet markets to help deter hoarding, profiteering, and potential panic-buying that could further disrupt prices and supply.“We have been conducting strategic operations against those involved in any activity that takes advantage of our kababayan this Holiday season in coordination with the concerned [local] government,” Nartatez said in a statement.The police are closely working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units to monitor price movements, support market inspections, and prevent illegal profiteering.Authorities have also increased random checks in major trading hubs to ensure compliance with suggested retail prices.Nartatez said the PNP is also conducting intelligence-driven operations focused on identifying and going after hoarders and criminal groups reportedly creating artificial shortages to drive up prices.He assured the public that police visibility and enforcement will be heightened throughout the holiday season to keep markets safe, orderly, and fair for consumers.“We assure our kababayan of police action and maximum presence to ensure a peaceful and truly merry Christmas celebration this year.”<div>PNP ALSO WARNS PUBLIC VS. SURGE IN ONLINE SCAMS</div>In a separate statement, the PNP reminded Filipinos to exercise heightened vigilance as online scams traditionally spike during the holiday season, when digital shopping and online transactions increase.Nartatez emphasized that cybercriminals take advantage of the Christmas rush.  “Masaya ang Pasko, pero dapat mas maging maingat tayo. Think twice before clicking, sharing personal information, or dealing with suspicious offers,” he said.He said the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) strengthened collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners to pursue online fraud syndicates, online sexual exploitation cases, and emerging digital threats.PNP spokesperson PBGEN Randulf Tuaño said ACG’s momentum reflects the strong direction set by the current leadership.&quot;Our message is clear: walang puwang sa ating komunidad ang mga cybercriminal. As long as they continue to prey on the public, the PNP—especially the ACG—will be relentless in pursuing them,” Tuaño stressed.The PNP assured the public that cybercrime prevention, digital security, and victim protection will remain among its top priorities this holiday season.

Police have been deployed to public markets, supermarkets, and wet markets to help deter hoarding, profiteering, and potential panic-buying that could further disrupt prices and supply.

Police have been deployed to public markets, supermarkets, and wet markets to help deter hoarding, profiteering, and potential panic-buying that could further disrupt prices and supply.

PNP steps up market monitoring amid rising food prices ahead of Christmas

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Business

PNP steps up market monitoring amid rising food prices ahead of Christmas

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 08, 2025 11:46 AM PHT

|

Updated Dec 08, 2025 11:47 AM PHT

Read More:

PNP

police

market

profiteering

Christmas

online scam

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.