The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Mimaropa has implemented a price freeze in oil spill-hit areas in Oriental Mindoro.
In an advisory, the prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen in the municipalities of Pola, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao.
Among the basic necessities included are processed milk, coffee, noodles, bottled water, salt, canned fish, and marine products.
The price freeze took effect last March 6 and will be enforced in the next 60 days.
DTI imposed a price freeze after the aftermentioned municipalities were placed in a state of calamity due to the massive impact of the oil spill from the submerged tanker.
A penalty of imprisonment for a period of 1 year to 10 years, or a fine of Php 5,000 to Php 1 million, or both, shall be imposed against individuals or establishments that will not follow the price freeze.
