Iloilo city: The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) is actively monitoring fuel prices in the region due to the anticipated price hikes resulting from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan stated in a media interview that provincial and city directors, as well as municipal chiefs of police, have been instructed to monitor gas stations. These efforts include engaging with property owners and managers to emphasize Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines on petroleum product prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the monitoring aims to prevent exploitation, hoarding, or unauthorized drastic price increases by gas stations. Brig. Gen. Ligan noted that any irregularities will be documented to facilitate the filing of cases once DOE guidelines are released. The monitoring has already recorded fuel price hikes in Roxas City, Capiz, and any gas station increasing prices without DOE clearance must provide justification or explanation for the action.

In a related development, Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as has requested guidance from the DOE on the price range for monitoring. The city government will deploy teams for this purpose and is urging establishments to implement any fuel price hikes gradually.

Additionally, Brig. Gen. Ligan announced that the regional office will comply with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for a temporary four-day work week for non-uniformed personnel. The office will also recalibrate patrol operations to conserve fuel and strengthen energy conservation measures. 'I will be talking with respective regional staff on how to recalibrate, especially our mobile patrols,' he stated.