BCPO:  Rising fuel prices may trigger property crime

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Police Office is anticipating a possible increase in crimes against property following the recent rise in fuel prices.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Police Capt. Dax Santillan, BCPO spokesperson, said the police have conducted scenario planning in preparation for the possible effects of the situation in the Middle East, which has contributed to higher fuel costs.

He said such economic pressures could lead to an uptick in property-related crimes.

However, he stressed that the city police force is prepared.

Despite the projection, Santillan clarified that there are currently no recorded incidents directly linked to the increase in fuel prices.

He said crime incidents in the city remain manageable and are even below average.

Santillan said that, based on BCPO monitoring conducted in coordination with the city government, gasoline stations in Bacolod are following the fuel prices mandated by the Department of Energy.

The DOE has published pump price advisories for the Visayas and has separately issued show-cause orders against dozens of gas stations nationwide over alleged overpricing, underscoring the broader monitoring of fuel price compliance.

To maintain peace and order, Santillan said the BCPO continues to intensify its visibility patrols, including foot, mobile and motorcycle patrols.

Police personnel have also been strategically deployed in key areas across the city.

Meanwhile, Santillan reported a decrease in robbery and holdup incidents this month.

Data from the BCPO’s Crime Incident Reporting System showed that from March 1 to 7, three robbery cases were recorded, including one incident under Police Station 6 in which the suspect was arrested along Roxas Avenue.

One of the incidents that week involved a taxi driver and resulted in the death of one of the two robbery suspects.

From March 8 to 14, no robbery incidents were recorded.

For the current week, only one case was reported under Police Station 3, and the suspect was immediately apprehended.

Despite the decline, Santillan said the police force remains vigilant and is not complacent.

He also advised the public, especially during the summer season, to secure their homes properly when leaving for vacations to prevent possible crimes.