Bacolod: The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is heightening its alert on the possible increase in crimes against property as a result of rising fuel prices. "We are crafting action plans in case of domino effect. Looting, theft, and robbery cases might increase. The Philippine National Police is preparing for that," BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia said in a press conference on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rebadomia stated that the BCPO underwent an orientation with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Trade and Industry to outline ways they can assist in the regulation of fuel prices. In this highly urbanized city, Mayor Greg Gasataya had earlier requested the BCPO to support the city government in ensuring that fuel prices remain within the allowable range. The mayor also urged retailers to comply strictly with DOE-prescribed oil price regulations amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting global fuel costs.
During the press conference, Rebadomia shared an incident where BCPO personnel intervened at a gasoline station that had displayed a diesel price of PHP108.50 per liter before the scheduled adjustment on Tuesday. Upon intervention by the police, the price was revised to PHP75. Rebadomia expressed gratitude to the residents of Bacolod for their vigilance, noting that the incident was reported through social media and monitored during cyber patrolling.