DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. issued a warning that the authorities will go after hoarders and manipulators who are preying on consumers as the country transitions to the La Niña weather phenomenon.

The Defense Chief issued this warning during the fifth meeting of the presidential task force on El Niño response as the government gears up for La Niña.

During the task force meeting held at Camp Aguinaldo earlier this month, Secretary Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) is ready to provide support to agencies involved in the price monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities.

Secretary Teodoro, chairperson of the task force, said curbing price manipulation and holding hoarders accountable will be among the priorities in government response. 

“Access to affordable basic commodities such as rice is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipino consumers. Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice resonates on the daily lives of Filipinos,” Secretary Teodoro said.

“Whatever support is needed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, rest assured we are here ready to assist them,” the Defense Chief added.