TACLOBAN CITY — Police authorities in Eastern Visayas have created a special task force and intensified region-wide monitoring to address fuel supply concerns and prevent illegal activities such as hoarding, smuggling, and overpricing.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), led by Regional Director B/Gen.Jason Capoy, began heightened monitoring operations on March 10, 2026 to ensure the proper distribution of petroleum products across the region.
On March 11, PRO-8 also strengthened inter-agency coordination through a meeting of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee 8 (RLECC-8) at Camp Kangleon in Palo, Leyte. The meeting led to the creation of Special Task Force “GASOLINA,” which is tasked to intensify enforcement efforts against fuel-related violations.
The task force aims to provide a unified and rapid response to fuel security concerns, while strengthening oversight of petroleum distribution in Eastern Visayas.
As part of the initiative, PRO-8 has coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and local government units (LGUs) to conduct joint inspections of fuel stations, depots, and distribution facilities to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Police units have also increased their presence in critical fuel infrastructures, including oil depots, pipelines, refineries, and major distribution hubs. Authorities are likewise conducting intensified checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven monitoring to prevent the illegal transport and entry of petroleum products into the region.
PRO-8 said it is also closely tracking fuel prices to deter unauthorized increases and profiteering, while ensuring that hoarding does not occur and that the “Direct-to-Tank” policy is strictly enforced.
(HALLEBERT FRANCIS S. HIPE, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
