The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) implemented a price freeze on basic necessities after it was placed under a state of calamity, BARMM’s Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) announced on Thursday, Sept. 1.
In a news release, the MTIT said canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt are among the products covered by the price freeze order.
Hussein Biruar, MTIT director of the Bureau of Trade and Industry, said they are closely coordinating with government agencies, manufacturers, and retailers “to ensure availability and continuous supply of basic goods in the market.”
The price freeze order is in line with Republic Act (RA) 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines, which stated that “prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days once a state of calamity (SOC) is declared in an area.”
The MTIT warned the retailers to not sell basic necessities at a price higher than prescribed by authorities.
“We are reminding the retailers that there should be no price movement on these goods while the price freeze is in effect,” Biruar said.
The Ministry urged consumers to report violators to its regional and provincial offices.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim signed Proclamation 0003 on Aug. 18 and placed the region under a state of calamity due to continuous heavy rains and massive flooding.
The proclamation will take effect until Oct. 31, 2022.
