Trade officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reminded local traders Thursday of the price freeze order on basic commodities and medical supplies due to the effect of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Paeng in the region.

In a statement, Minister Abuamri Taddik of the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) said the price freeze is contained under Proclamation No. 4 issued on Oct. 29 by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, which placed the region under a state of calamity following the devastation wrought by the typhoon.

“We appeal to the business sector to adhere to the price freeze of basic commodities and help us in ensuring that supplies of food in the market is enough,” Taddik said.

Under the Republic Act 7581 or Price Act, a price freeze is imposed on basic goods in areas under a state of calamity for 60 days.

Taddik warned that administrative charges await owners of establishments that violate the law on price freeze, including a prison term of one to 10 years or fines ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP1 million, or both.

According to MTIT, among the essential products monitored are canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent and salt.

The price freeze is set to be automatically lifted on Dec. 26, unless sooner lifted by the chief minister, Taddik said.

Meanwhile, the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of Zamboanga City has approved the immediate implementation of a price freeze on all basic commodities in the city for 60 days.

“It is hereby announced that prices of necessities in Zamboanga City are automatically frozen at their prevailing price and/or placed under automatic price control,” read the LPCC resolution released Thursday.

A day earlier, Mayor John Dalipe convened the LPCC for an emergency meeting as the city has been placed under a state of calamity through a city council resolution approved on Oct. 29.

The LPCC said all concerned agencies, offices, and instrumentalities shall conduct regular monitoring and review of the prices of basic commodities under the law.

“Business establishments that do not comply with the price freeze shall be charged under R.A. 7581 for profiteering,” Dalipe said in a statement Thursday. (PNA)