MANILA: (Bernama-PNA) The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed profiteering charges against two gas stations amid soaring oil prices due to the West Asia conflict, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
"We already charged two," PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum on Wednesday (March 18).
Tuaño said the cases were filed in Nueva Vizcaya and Eastern Samar, where station owners allegedly sold fuel above prevailing market prices.
He gave no further details but said the cases stemmed from citizen reports through the 911 emergency system.
The Department of Energy tapped the PNP to check stations that suddenly closed during price hikes and to ensure proper implementation of increases.
Tuaño said the PNP has recorded 372 gas station closures nationwide.
He added that the Municipal Pricing Coordinating Council, of which the PNP is a member, has been convened to monitor prices.
Meanwhile, the PNP will deploy personnel to secure distribution sites for government financial aid to those affected by rising fuel prices.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered commanders to ensure aid reaches intended beneficiaries without interference.
"We encourage all our kababayan to be wary of scam operations.
"On the part of the PNP, we are taking proactive measures to make sure that the fuel subsidy will go to the intended beneficiaries,” he said. - Bernama-PNA
