By CESAR JOLITO
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has heightened its alert level amid concerns that increasing fuel prices could trigger a rise in property-related crimes.
BCPO Director Eugene Rebadomia said the police are preparing contingency measures to address possible incidents such as theft, robbery and looting that may arise as fuel costs continue to climb.
“We are crafting action plans in case of a domino effect. Looting, theft and robbery cases might increase. The Philippine National Police is preparing for that,” Rebadomia said during a press conference.
According to the police chief, the BCPO has also conducted an orientation with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to clarify the role of law enforcement in supporting government efforts to regulate fuel prices and ensure compliance among retailers.
Meanwhile, Rebadomia disclosed that BCPO recently responded to a report about a gasoline station displaying a diesel price of P108.50 per liter ahead of the scheduled fuel price adjustment on March 10.
He said police personnel visited the station, and the displayed price was later changed to P75 per liter.
Rebadomia thanked the Bacolodnons for reporting the incident through social media, noting that the post was detected through the police’s cyber patrol operations and immediately brought to their attention for verification.
Earlier, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya directed the BCPO to assist the city government in monitoring fuel stations and making sure that prices remain within the limits set by the DOE.
Gasataya also appealed to fuel retailers to avoid taking advantage of consumers and to strictly follow government regulations as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global fuel prices.
The city government formed a monitoring team to oversee all gas stations as fuel prices continue to rise, addressing ongoing fuel price increases linked to the Middle East crisis and ensuring compliance with DOE guidelines on fair pricing.
While 151 stations are currently in operation, city records show a total of 164 gas stations registered in Bacolod.
The monitoring will cover assessments of complaints and potential violations related to DOE-authorized price adjustments.
Key documentation procedures were established, including recording each gas station’s name and location, the date and time of inspection, fuel supply reports or photos, observations of unusual purchasing patterns, and obtaining statements or clarifications from station management.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo urged business owners to conduct their operations fairly and responsibly, particularly during this challenging period influenced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We are appealing to business owners to be just and fair in conducting their operations. All activities must remain within the bounds of the law,” Mayo said./CJ, WDJ