CEBU, Philippines - An angry Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr. has ordered the city police to arrest those who bloated the prices of their goods, after receiving complaints from the public.
No less than the top official of the Israel Defense Forces supervising their medical mission at the Severo Verallo District Hospital became a victim of unscrupulous vendors, when he was asked to pay P500 for a pack of cigarette.
The price of one cigarette pack, especially the known brands, has now risen from P80 to P100.
“Grabe ra sad kaayo ang ilang gibuhat ug sa ato pa gyud nga mga bisita (This is too much, and they did it on our visitors)†the mayor was heard telling the city police chief.
He ordered the police to monitor the stores in the city and immediately handcuff those selling overpriced items.
The FREEMAN received similar reports of overpricing of goods in other towns but authorities said they have yet to verify them.
Martinez said after super typhoon Yolanda hit Bogo City, he issued an executive order freezing prices of commodities and asked businessmen to comply.
He, however, said that he needs the support and cooperation of the public to effectively implement his order.
He urged the victims of abusive store owners and businessmen in Bogo City to report to him.
“Kinahangan nga kita magtibangay batok niadtong mga malapason (We should help each other in going after these offenders),†said Martinez.
He said that instead of taking advantage of the visitors, the people of Bogo and those of the neighboring towns should express thanks for the presence of the Israelis.
A total of 150 medical doctors from Israel arrived in the city the other day to conduct medical missions in northern Cebu.
More than 200 people, mostly victims of Yolanda received medical checkup from them yesterday. (FREEMAN)