LOCAL traders in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) must follow the price freeze order on basic commodities and medical supplies due to the effect of Tropical Storm 'Paeng' in the region, a trade official said on November 3. BARMM Minister of Trade, Investments and Tourism Abuamri Taddik said the price freeze is contained under Proclamation 4 issued on October 29 by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, which placed the region under a state of calamity following the devastation wrought by Paeng. '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 are enough,' the BARMM minister 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 P5,000 to P1 million, or both. He also said the price freeze is set to be automatically lifted on December 26, unless sooner lifted by the chief minister.
