Stop hoarding key commodities, Palace warns

Amid the COVID-19 virus scare in the country, with a total tally of cases now at 49, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo warned citizens hoarding sanitizers, alcohols and face masks among other key commodities that they 'will be dealt with accordingly'.

“Those who unscrupulously take advantage of the health crisis will also be arrested and dealt with in accordance with the law," the spox added.

The Palace reminded that with the declaration of public health emergency by President Duterte, a price freeze for all commodities has also been imposed.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) likewise assured the public that there is no need to panic-buy, as the government made sure that the country is prepared even in the case of a lockdown.

As of March 12, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao recorded its cases of the virus: 47 for Luzon, 1 for Visayas and 1 from Mindanao. DOH also recorded its 2nd fatality related to COVID-19 late Wednesday, March 11.

The Interagency Task Force for Emerging Diseases has already come up with measures to handle the situation in the country and is awaiting the president's approval.

The President will address the state later this day and will announce the measures recommended by the task force.