By Felipo David G. Malcampo
ZAMBOANGA
CITY – With the city declared under the state of
calamity, Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga City Provincial Office issued
a stern warning to retailers not to take advantage of the present crisis by
over-pricing their products.
Provincial Director Engr. Rolando
Acuña deployed monitoring teams to safeguard the public from unscrupulous
traders from exploiting the situation and check adherence to the price freeze
imposed on basic commodities in areas declared under state of calamity, as
mandated by Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines.
The Zamboanga City Council, approved
Monday night, a resolution declaring the city under state of calamity as per
recommendation from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
(CDRRMC) after a number of barangays were submerged in flood water, destroying
agricultural and fishery areas and products due to days of continuous rains
last week.
A total of 1,692 families or 4,625
individuals were displaced by the calamity according latest records of CDRRMC.
Acuña stressed that those caught
violating RA 7581 will be charged and will be made to pay at least P1,000.00 to
not more than P1,000,000.00 administrative fine.
Meanwhile, the city government,
thru, the City Social Welfare Office continues conducting relief operations to
help calamity victims.
Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat
has also instructed the City Engineer’s office to conduct assessment of the
damage wrought by the calamity for proper action and rehabilitation. (JPA/FDM/PIA9-ZBST)
