6 nabbed for overpriced scanners, alcohol

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons were arrested on Friday for allegedly selling overpriced thermal scanners and alcohol.

Businessman Dexter Quan Yee and security guard Angelo Mancao were caught in a sting at the corner of Maceda street and España Boulevard by the Manila Police District Station 7.

They reportedly sold 40 thermal scanners for P152,000 or P3,800 each to a police officer who posed as a buyer. 

The price exceeded the suggested retail price (SRP) set by the Departments of Health and Trade and Industry, police said.

In Quezon City, Elison Romero, 36; John Paul Gajes, 27; Jessi Calicdan, 24, and Macleonita Landines, 20, were arrested for allegedly selling a gallon of ethyl alcohol for P875. The SRP for a gallon of ethyl alcohol is P512.

The four were arrested along Quezon Avenue in Barangay Tatalon at past noon on Friday. Police seized 10 boxes containing 18 bottles of medical grade ethyl alcohol, five gallons of ethyl alcohol, a Goton Gratour L300 van and a motorcycle from the suspects. 

Meanwhile, Charlie Cabrales, 36, was arrested at his house in Barangay Batasan Hills for allegedly illegally manufacturing alcohol and storing hazardous chemicals.

Police confiscated 1,000 empty gallon containers, seven drums of ethanol, eight boxes containing four gallons each of reportedly fake alcohol and various paraphernalia from Cabrales’ home.

Alcohol and similar products must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

The suspects face charges for violating the price law and Presidential Proclamation 922, which declared a public health emergency in the country.