The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic commodities in parts of Mindoro island and Palawan provinces following declarations of a state of calamity in Mimaropa region.

The freeze covers nine essential items including canned fish, processed milk, coffee, and bread in Palawan province, Paluan municipality in Occidental Mindoro, and eight municipalities in Oriental Mindoro, the DTI said in a statement on Tuesday.

The measure, implemented under the Price Act or RA 7581 as amended by RA 10623, will protect consumers from potential price spikes during the calamity period.

“DTI MIMAROPA will conduct intensified price and supply monitoring of basic necessities under the Department’s jurisdiction,” a DTI press statement said.

Violators face imprisonment of one to 10 years or fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million pesos, or both, according to the statement.

The controlled items also include laundry soap, candles, iodized salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.