(UPDATE) THE local chief executives in the Camanava area, representing four cities north of Metro Manila, warned unscrupulous traders against increasing prices of basic commodities, saying the 60-day price freeze is still in force.

Camanava, or the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, declared a state of calamity amid severe flooding caused by torrential rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat) enhanced by Typhoon Carina nearly three weeks ago.

In separate interviews, Mayors Dave Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan (Caloocan), Jeannie Sandoval (Malabon), John Rey Tiangco (Navotas) and Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian (Valenzuela) told The Manila Times they have activated their respective task forces to monitor the prices in public markets and similar establishments.

They reiterated their reminders to local traders and market vendors regarding the 60-day price freeze being enforced by the Department of Trade and Industry in areas that were declared under the state of calamity.

The entire Metro Manila — composed of 16 cities and a municipality — was placed under a state of calamity immediately after floods inundated the metropolis on July 24.

Camanava mayors urged the consumers to report to authorities any retailers violating the price freeze.

"While we have our task forces that make rounds in the markets and other similar establishments, we also need the cooperation of the public to make sure that the traders or retailers are not violating the Price Control Act," the mayors said.

"We will make sure that the price freeze is enforced to the letter to ensure that basic necessities would remain accessible and affordable to those affected by the calamities," they added.

The price freeze covers processed milk, bread, canned sardines, instant noodles, bottled water and coffee, among others.

Meanwhile, Camanava local officials praised the efforts of SM Supermalls and SM Foundation Inc. through its "Operations Tulong (Help) Express" (OPTE) that provided relief goods, especially to those in evacuation centers at the height of severe flooding.

According to the mayors, their partnership with the mall management has been beneficial to their respective constituents.

"It (SM Supermalls) has been our partner in providing employment to thousands of jobseekers in Camanava area through job fairs," they said.

The "Kalinga" pack distribution effort was part of OPTE, a corporate social program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets.