Businesswoman arrested for selling P15.5M DSWD relief kits

A businesswoman identified only as "Janice" was arrested in Tondo, Manila, by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for allegedly selling P15.5 million worth of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) relief kits marked "not for sale".

The operation, which took place from October 2 to October 3, led to the seizure of approximately 6,000 DSWD family kits from a warehouse.

PNP Acting Chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez stated that the seized goods have an estimated market value of P15,520,000 and were intended for disaster-affected communities.

Nartatez warned that the PNP "will never tolerate individuals or groups who exploit calamity victims for personal gain" and that those responsible will face the full force of the law.

The DSWD clarified that the warehouse and goods involved had no official connection to the agency.

The suspect is facing charges for violating the Selling of Relief Goods provision under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and Illegal Use of Insignia under the Revised Penal Code.