Panic buying at Metro Manila stores over fears of COVID-19 lockdown

Some Filipinos have resorted to buying goods in bulk amid the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's Wednesday report on 24 Oras, consumers continue to hoard necessities such as disinfectants and food due to the fear of a lockdown in Metro Manila.

Aside from the supply of alcohol, canned goods, vegetables and meat products almost run out in a grocery store in Quezon City.

"Hindi natin alam, mamaya ila-lockdown nila edi mas mabuti nang handa tayo sa lahat," Melody Arbis, a citizen from Quezon City said.

Meanwhile, food and disinfectants supply also sold out in provinces such as Bulacan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Davao City and Zamboanga City.

With this, Malacañang advised consumers to refrain from panic buying despite the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo advised the public to buy only what was needed as panic buying and hoarding would only result in price increases.

The Department of Trade and Industry also assured the public that there is ample supply of food and other necessities.

While a lockdown in the metropolis is not yet implemented, Philippine National Police chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa earlier said more or less 40,000 policemen will be deployed in case they get a go signal from the Department of Health. —NB, GMA News