Price Freeze Imposed in Five Oriental Mindoro Towns Amid ASF Outbreak

Oriental Mindoro – Following an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Trade and Industry-Mimaropa (DTI-Mimaropa) has implemented a price freeze on essential commodities in five towns of Oriental Mindoro. The measure aims to stabilize prices and prevent undue price hikes in affected areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the price freeze was enacted in the towns of Bulalacao, Bongabong, Bansud, Pinamalayan, and Naujan following a Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial council) resolution declaring a state of calamity in these towns. The price freeze, effective immediately, is set to last for the duration of the calamity condition, but not more than 60 days. The freeze covers a range of basic necessities outlined under Republic Act 7581, as amended by Republic Act 10623, including canned fish, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, candles, bread, salt, instant noodles, and bottled water. DTI-Mimaropa warned that violators of the price freeze would face penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or both, as determined by the court, in addition to administrative penalties from the DTI. The agency also committed to conducting intensified price and supply monitoring of basic necessities under its jurisdiction during this period.