BCPO on alert vs fuel price-related crimes

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, officer in charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, underscored the need for public cooperation and vigilance against gasoline stations that may take advantage of the continuing fuel price spike.

During a press briefing Wednesday, Rebadomia said the situation could trigger crimes such as looting and theft.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy are conducting orientation sessions to help authorities better understand their roles in responding to the situation.

Rebadomia cited a social media post showing a gasoline station selling fuel for PHP 108.50 per liter ahead of Tuesday’s price adjustment.

He said the BCPO’s cyberpatrol team monitored the post and immediately verified the report.

Police officers were sent to the station and informed management of the pricing violation.

The gasoline station later corrected the pump price to PHP 75 per liter.

Rebadomia thanked residents who raised concerns online amid the global oil crisis.

He said public reports on social media help authorities quickly identify and address possible violations.

City records show that 151 gasoline stations are currently operating in Bacolod, while 164 are registered in the city.

Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier tapped the BCPO to help monitor gasoline stations that might take advantage of the situation.

Meanwhile, the city government will form a monitoring team to oversee all gasoline stations as fuel prices continue to rise.

The plan was discussed during an alignment meeting led by City Administrator Mark Mayo at the Bacolod City Government Center on Wednesday.

The meeting aimed to establish documentation procedures for inspections, including recording each station’s name and location, the date and time of inspection, fuel supply reports or photos, unusual purchasing patterns, and statements from station management.

Gasataya said the local police and the city government will assess possible complaints and violations related to price adjustments authorized by the DOE.

Two monitoring teams will be deployed, composed of personnel from the City Mayor’s Office, City Legal Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Government Communications Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, and the BCPO.

Officials said proper documentation will be critical to ensure fairness among all monitored establishments.

The initiative aims to address fuel price increases linked to the crisis in the Middle East and ensure compliance with DOE guidelines on fair pricing.

Gasataya had a scheduled meeting with the DOE on Thursday.