DTI imposes price freeze in typhoon-ravaged areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry on Thursday said that it has started imposing "price freeze" in areas worst-hit by typhoon "Pablo."

Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said price freeze are implemented in areas placed under a state of calamity.

Maglaya said that the price freeze are imposed on basic goods including canned sardines, milk, coffee, sugar, salt, instant noodles and rice.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley have been placed under a state of calamity.'

More than 200 people have been confirmed killed and declared missing in the three provinces.

Radio reports also said that other areas placed under a state of calamity were DCebu, Negros Oriental and Misamis Oriental.