Philippines Taal Eruption and N95 Respirators

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3M Philippines continues to work closely with the relevant government agencies as we share and report information on counterfeit products proliferating specially at this time of the Taal eruption and other health threats. Customers are reminded of the importance in sourcing their 3M™ N95 respirators from authorized distributors and retailers. The 3M contact information where you may get the channel partner (distributors) and retail (stores) information nearest you are: Globe/Bayantel line: 1800-8902-0491; PLDT/Smart line: 1800-1320-0201; Other Network: 63-282711680; Email: 3Mproducts.ph@mmm.com This ensures that you get authentic respiratory protection that are tested for quality and performance.

We continue to urge the public to be vigilant in protecting themselves against profiteering and fraud for the N95 respirators, and encourage that you continue to bring these matters to our attention as well as report such instances of market abuse to the Enforcement Division of the Philippine Competition Commission at +632 87719-722 local 232 or enforcement@phcc.gov.ph. Likewise, customers may also report overpricing and any other illegal act of price manipulation through the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or send an email to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

All respirators used should be tested and certified by international approval bodies such as National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) with N95 rating or its equivalent. Particulate respirators with N95 rating offer a minimum of 95% filtration efficiency if worn properly. Using counterfeit respirators that have likely not been tested and certified cannot be guaranteed to perform as promised. This can pose serious health risks.

Here is one way to validate if your 3M™ 8210 N95 Respirator is authentic.

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3M Philippines continues to work closely and proactively with first responders of various government agencies, local government units, as well as channel and retail partners to provide the public, and the local and international non-profit organizations with their supply and donations requests supported by the strength of 3M’s global network.

To clarify issues on pricing and protect the public, please note that:

• 3M is a manufacturer and does not engage in the direct retail selling of its respirators in the Philippines.
• 3M has not increased its prices of respirators as a result of the Taal volcanic eruption.
• Moreover, as a manufacturer, 3M does not dictate reseller pricing. As a reference, the suggested retail price in major hardware retail establishments who carry 3M™ 8210 N95 respirators prior to this situation is Php60.00/piece. Note however that prices may vary depending on the channels you purchase them from.
• To be assured of buying genuine 3M products, customers should buy from resellers fully authorized to operate in the Philippines and who source their supply from legitimate, authorized channels.
• If possible, customers may also want to canvass across multiple resellers to help find the best selection and price. Rest assured that 3M is doing everything possible to replenish the channel as inventories of respirators are consumed.

We also would like to address many of the common questions we have been receiving specific to the N95 respirator: