Opportunistic businesses looking to exploit the current global fuel crisis amid the widening conflict in the Middle East have been put on notice.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) launched an intensified surveillance operation targeting gas stations and oil depots to thwart potential hoarding, profiteering, and other illegal practices.
Reports of sudden fuel price hikes linked to escalating developments in the Middle East prompted ICPO Officer-in-Charge Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla to convene a high-level virtual command conference.
The mandate was clear: mobilize the force to protect Ilonggo consumers from artificial shortages and price manipulation.
During the meeting, Parilla directed a massive deployment of personnel to conduct regular, on-the-ground monitoring of prevailing pump prices across the city.
The primary focus of the operation is the strict observation of the three major oil depots located in the district of Lapuz.
By closely coordinating with depot stakeholders, the police aim to verify actual supply levels, ensuring that any localized price spikes are not the result of withheld inventory.
“He 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 ICPO statement read.
The police force is acting as the crucial “eyes and ears” for regulatory bodies, ensuring that any irregularities in pricing or supply are immediately documented and funneled through the appropriate legal channels for swift action.
While the ICPO is prepared to enforce the law against economic saboteurs, Parilla also appealed to the better nature of the business sector, framing the operation as a necessary “cooperation for public welfare.”
“This is a time for cooperation and understanding as we face challenges brought about by global developments,” Parilla urged.
“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.IMT
