The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is verifying reports of unscrupulous vendors increasing the prices of bottled water in typhoon-hit Canlaon City.

Krystle Jade Bato, DTI-Negros Oriental spokesperson and officer-in-charge chief of Consumer Welfare Protection Division, yesterday said her team will stay in Canlaon City for a few days to look into the reports.

“We have received information that a 10-liter bottle of water is sold at P150 each,” Bato told the Philippine News Agency. “We want to make sure no one will take advantage of the current situation in Canlaon City.”

Canlaon City was among the areas hit hard by Typhoon “Tino,” where strong winds and flash floods sealed off major road arteries, damaged bridges, cut off water supply lines, and left some 20 people dead and several others missing.

While food and other relief donations continue to pour in, the city is in need of water for drinking and other purposes.

Meanwhile, Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas appealed on social media for “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-hire) drivers not to raise their fare amid the current situation.

Bato also said they will look into reports of lodging facilities that have allegedly raised their room prices amid the influx of donors flocking to the city to deliver aid.

The DTI reminded business establishments that a price freeze is in place following the declaration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. of a state of calamity due to the impact of “Tino.” (PNA)