BACOLOD CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested three persons in an entrapment operation here on Tuesday, for allegedly selling overpriced alcohol.
NBI-Bacolod head Renoir Baldovino identified the suspects as Nanette Cabiles, Kristel Mae Cortes, and Sinny Celeste, all residents of Barangay Tangub.
Baldovino said that the operation stemmed from a complaint of a resident here, who earlier bought a disinfectant from an aesthetics store in Galo Street.
Following the said report, the NBI proceeded to the store to do the undercover.
One of the NBI agents bought two bottles of 250 ml ethyl alcohol.
Baldovino said that the three suspects allegedly sold 250 ml of ethyl alcohol at P90, which is higher than the price ceiling set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at P41.
The three suspects are now in the custody of the NBI.
He said the store owner will be charged for violation of the Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act.
He said that NBI agents also recovered 37 gallons of ethyl alcohol, and 104 bottles of alcohol in 250 ml size. These will be tested to determine the content of the alcohol.
Additional cases will be filed if the alcohol was illegally produced, he said.
Meanwhile, he said the NBI continues to accept complaints on overpricing and hoarding of essential commodities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
He reminded the sellers not to take advantage of the difficult situation, as they will be held liable for it. (Glazyl Masculino)
