DOJ eyes releasing seized goods to frontliners

The DOJ is studying the possibility of turning over emergency goods seized from profiteers and hoarders to front-line medical personnel amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete stated that confiscated items will be sold through public auction, but due to the public health emergency, the government may have preference in purchasing these items.

Since last week, the NBI has confiscated over 1,500 thermal scanners and millions worth of face masks from sellers facing charges of hoarding and price manipulation.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra allowed prosecutors to release seized medical supplies to hospitals without prejudice to ongoing investigations, retaining only representative samples as evidence.