Aquino directs agencies to address panic buying, ensure sufficient food supply

Pres. Benigno Aquino III presides the NDRRMC briefing for Supertyphoon ‘Ruby’ (International name ‘Hagupit’) (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed government agencies to deal with reports of panic buying and hoarding in areas expected to be hit by Typhoon ‘Ruby’ this weekend.

During a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting he led on Thursday afternoon, President Aquino ordered the deployment of “rolling stores” to ensure sufficient supply of basic commodities.

The Chief Executive also directed food agencies to ensure the availability of rice and ordered the police to secure warehouses where food and other relief goods are stored.

During the meeting, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported to the President that it has sent 3,000 food packs to Borongan, Samar, after receiving an advisory that Eastern Samar could be affected.

The department said it will also send about 2,000 food packs to Marabut town in Samar, for families that need to be evacuated from low-lying areas.

It said it is assessing the situation in other low-lying areas and that food items are being repacked in Eastern Visayas.

The DSWD said it has more than 30,000 readily available family food packs.

In Tacloban City, the department said it has begun transferring families from Barangay 88, the immediate vicinity of the Tacloban airport, to permanent shelters built for victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

As of Thursday, the department has settled some 35 families.