Gov’t to Punish Hoarders of Garlic

Manila– The government is strictly punishing illegal hoarding in a bid to arrest the rising prices of garlic.

“Concerned parties are urged to unload their stocks to avoid arrest and prosecution,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Thursday.

Citing a statement of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Coloma said law enforcers are conducting surveillance on suspected hoarders.

Coloma disclosed this measure amid the continued surge in garlic prices despite enough supply.

Based on the monitoring done by the DA, the supply of locally produced garlic has reached 8,308 metric tons as of March this year.

Such volume is more than adequate to meet the current levels of demand, it said. (PNA) FPV/LDV