EYES ON THE PUMPS: Police monitor fuel prices across regions

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Glazyl M. Jopson

Police authorities in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region have intensified monitoring of gas stations and fuel depots to guard against hoarding, profiteering, and price irregularities amid surging oil costs driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In Iloilo City, personnel of the Iloilo City Police Office have made rounds across the metropolis to check on prevailing fuel prices.

Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said the visits came immediately after the ICPO leadership convened a coordination meeting at noon on March 7.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO officer-in-charge, presided over the meeting, which was attended by deputy city director for operations Lt. Col. Lorenez Losaria, chiefs of different ICPO sections, the City Mobile Force Company commander, the ICPO legal officer, station commanders, and personnel from the Mobile Patrol Unit and Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Aside from monitoring and validating fuel prices at all gas stations, ICPO units were directed to coordinate regularly with concerned stakeholders, including three oil depots located in the Lapuz district, to help verify supply levels.

Sangrines clarified that their effort was in support of concerned regulatory agencies, ensuring that any irregularities related to fuel supply and pricing are properly monitored and reported through appropriate channels.

She admitted, however, that police have no authority to determine whether there is irregular movement in prices.

“We also don’t have a power to reprimand or file cases against perceived violators. We are here in support of other concerned government agencies,” she said.

Sangrines said they are documenting their visits — taking pictures, asking relevant questions, and the like — in the event that the information will be needed later.

Parilla emphasized the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in addressing the situation and maintaining public confidence.

“This is a time for cooperation and understanding as we face challenges brought about by global developments. We encourage everyone to remain considerate of the welfare of the public and work together to maintain order and stability in our community,” he added.

Parilla also assured that the ICPO will continue to coordinate closely with concerned government agencies and assist in monitoring activities to help prevent possible profiteering, hoarding, and other illegal acts that may take advantage of the situation.

The monitoring comes amid sharp increases in domestic fuel prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil supply chains and prompted the national government to implement energy-saving measures across public offices.

In Bacolod City, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region has stepped up monitoring and coordination with partner agencies and local government units to ensure a stable fuel supply and maintain peace and order.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, directed all provincial and city police offices in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to strengthen coordination with the Department of Energy, the Department of Trade and Industry, and local government units.

The move aims to closely monitor fuel prices and ensure petroleum products are distributed in accordance with government regulations.

The directive follows guidance from the Philippine National Police Directorate for Operations, which instructed police units to implement contingency measures due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East that may affect domestic fuel security and economic stability.

Ibay also ordered police units to monitor gas stations and fuel depots to prevent hoarding, illegal selling, and profiteering.

Authorities are likewise enforcing the “direct-to-tank” policy, which prohibits the dispensing of fuel into handheld containers such as bottles and drums.

Ibay said these proactive measures are necessary to shield the public from possible economic ripple effects.

“We are monitoring to ensure that fuel supply remains stable and that the public is protected from any unlawful activities that may arise from market volatility,” he said.

As part of the contingency plan, the regional office has directed police units to increase security and visibility at key facilities such as fuel storage sites and distribution hubs.

Police presence in public areas has also been heightened to deter opportunistic crimes.

Police commanders were also instructed to ensure that Civil Disturbance Management units are ready to respond to possible public demonstrations or transport-related protests in a lawful and orderly manner.

Intelligence monitoring and checkpoint operations have been intensified to prevent the illegal transport or smuggling of petroleum products, particularly in coastal areas of the region.

The PRO-NIR assured the public that contingency measures are in place to maintain public safety and ensure uninterrupted police services.

“The safety and welfare of our communities remain our top priority,” Ibay said, adding that the regional office remains vigilant and ready to respond to any situation that could affect public order and security in the region.